Aged care: sign the petition for change

17 February 2021

17 Feb 2021

The ‘It’s Time to Care About Aged Care’ campaign is organised by the new Australian Aged Care Collaboration (ACCC).

The ACCC is calling for reform, in partnership with over 1,000 organisations, including VMCH.

What is the problem with aged care?

Australia’s aged care system is in urgent need of transformation
16,000 vulnerable Australians died in their own home in 2017-18 while waiting for a government-subsidised support package.
100,000 people are waiting for home support at their approved level
Those in need of the highest-level packages typically waiting at least 12 months.
Separately, a further 88,000 residential aged care places will be required over the next 10 years, at a cost of $55 billion.

Why is it time to care about aged care?

You may have seen the aged care campaign that is currently across the news, TV and social media.

The ‘It’s Time to Care About Aged Care’ campaign is organised by the new Australian Aged Care Collaboration (ACCC).

The ACCC is calling for reform, in partnership with over 1,000 organisations, including VMCH.

VMCH CEO, Sonya Smart

What needs to change in aged care?

VMCH CEO Sonya Smart says the AACC believes an overhaul of the design, objectives, regulation and resourcing of aged care is urgently required if Australia is to deliver the care and services older people need and deserve now and into the future.

“While we believe we provide our residents and clients with excellent aged care services, we do think the sector needs vast improvements.

“Over a generation, the needs and expectations of our ageing parents and grandparents – and those who care for them – have exceeded the resources made available to them.”

Think this information would be handy for someone else?
Share it on your social media below!

[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox_mj8j”]

So what can I do to make aged care better?

The short-term campaign goal is to prompt the Federal Government to commit to major reform of the aged care system, beginning with the May 2021 Federal Budget.

“The long-term vision is to achieve a sustainable, world-class aged care system that enables all older Australians, and those who care for them, to be valued, have choice and lead a meaningful life.

“I encourage everyone to take the time to visit www.careaboutagedcare.org.au and sign the petition. This will send an email to your local MP highlighting the issue. You can also like and share the Australian Aged Care Collaboration Facebook page with your social media networks.

“It’s my hope that we can all work together to initiate change for the benefit of our future health and wellbeing, and that of our friends and family.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.careaboutagedcare.org.au

Written by VMCH – February 17, 2021 – View a range of our articles here.

More news articles in Residential Aged Care

View all

VMCH volunteer honoured

The power of music in palliative care

Honouring Women Who Inspire

Aged care centenarian celebrates birthday and country

Specialised dementia care changing lives

A safe haven for men’s health

Time for innovation in Palliative Care

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Pastoral care at end-of-life a vital support

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.