A statement by Tom Symondson, CEO of the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA):
The decision by Wesley Mission in NSW to close its aged care homes is regrettable but understandable in the current reform climate.
The aged care sector is facing enormous financial challenges and workforce shortages, at the same time that it is racing to implement the once-in-a-generation reforms emerging from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Safety and Quality’s final report two years ago.
Aged care providers across Australia strive to always deliver the best quality care and support for older people. This has been incredibly challenging during the pandemic, but the financial viability of many providers is placing a majority under even more serious pressure.
The latest data released by the Department of Health Aged Care Quarterly Financial Snapshot of the Aged Care Sector – Quarter 1 2022-23 show that 70 per cent of aged care providers are operating at a loss, losing an average of $28 dollars per resident per day. That is simply not sustainable.
We understand and support the need for reform, but we need to work with government to ensure the pace of change is manageable for aged care providers and does not exacerbate an already challenging situation. We also need to ensure that funding meets the cost of service delivery which is why we have called in our Pre-Budget Submission for the government to deliver on the Royal Commission’s recommendation for indexation to match inflation in the upcoming Budget.
We understand that Wesley Mission is working with an agency to ensure all residents of the three aged care sites are relocated before the closure and that management is in contact with residents’ families.
ACCPA also encourages any aged care providers under financial pressure to reach out to the Department of Health and Aged Care for a discussion about potential grants and the Structural Adjustment Program, aimed at supporting viability and service continuity.
