Improving aged care funding remains a top priority for the majority Australians following the recent Federal election, according to a new poll. The Essential Report found increasing funding in the next Federal budget for aged care was important to 70 per cent of Australians. Reducing the national deficit was important for 59 per cent of the national community.
A recent report by the University of Technology Ageing Research Collaborative found more than 60 per cent of residential aged care homes are operating at a loss, and the financial performance of home care services declined by 26 per cent compared to the previous year.
A separate report from accounting firm accounting StewartBrown estimates that after excluding one off-items the residential care sector will record a $1.3b deficit in 2021-2022.
ACCPA General Manager Policy and Advocacy Tim Hicks said: “Aged care funding is completely inadequate; it’s failing to keep pace with inflation and the cost of Covid outbreaks and it’s failing to deliver on our modern expectations of support and care.
“This new poll shows fixing the funding crisis is not just a priority for aged care residents, staff and people who interact with the system, it’s important for all Australians.
“The reality is too many aged care facilities and home care services are at risk of closing or a reduction of services.
“It is clear that aged care workers need a significant pay rise now but without additional support, aged care providers cannot attract more workers and realise improvements in the quality of care.
“The Government should seize the opportunity in the upcoming Federal Budget to address the workforce shortage crisis and provide financial support for the long-term sustainability of quality aged care facilities and at-home care programs.
“ACCPA would an indexation adjustment to increase subsidies to providers included in the upcoming budget and urgent action for an independent aged care pricing authority, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“We are happy for there to be a link between this additional funding and spending, with many providers already spending substantially more than get from government.
“With high public support for aged care reform, ACCPA looks forward to the budget and ongoing collaboration with new Minister for Health and Aged Care and Minister for Aged Care on practical solutions to maintain important aged care and support services for older people,” he said.
Polling results and more on methodology available here.
Media contacts: Zerene Catacutan (Essential) 0422 815 248 or Kate Hannon (ACCPA) 0499 106 957.
