AMA submission to the Aged Care Financing Authority – Respite care

In this submission, the AMA argues that current access to respite care is not timely, nor responsive to the needs of older people. Respite care services require an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment, yet significant delays in this system persist, often leaving admission of the older person to hospital as the only option, if the carer is unable to cope. Urgent respite care should not require an ACAT, and should be streamlined through the older person’s GP. Availability of appropriate respite services is also an issue. The AMA suggests further investment into the availability of Day Respite Centres and residential respite care. Respite care services should meet demand within a location, for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations, and for those with psychogeriatric needs.