AMA submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport – Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia

The AMA argued that many of the current causes of inadequate quality care in aged care facilities can be rectified by improving the capability, capacity and connectedness of the aged care workforce. Currently, this workforce is not adequately trained to be able to care for older Australians, as their care needs are growing in both complexity and volume. Although medical practitioners are well-equipped to provide quality medical care to residents living in RACFs, they are not adequately supported to do so. This has resulted in an enormous barrier to quality medical services for RACF residents. The aged care workforce needs clear leadership and accountability, which an Aged Care Commissioner could provide.