Let’s face it, 2020 highlighted many things. None more than the spotlight that was shone on Aged Care.
Whilst generally Aged Care in Australia is some of the best in the world, the reality for many in Aged Care, or for those with loved ones there, is a long way off how we intended to spend our last years. This gap in care had already been identified, long before Covid19 hit, and a Royal Commission was already well underway. In July 2020 the Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality and Safety, released the findings of a 10,000 person study that revealed that people are prepared to pay for high-quality care when they are older, whether it by co-contributing to the cost or through taxes.
While 90% of survey respondents concurred that additional funding for aged care is a necessity, 60% noted that the funding should come from reallocated public spending. In fact, the majority of the people would be willing to co-contribute to assure access to high quality care later in their life, while 72% said that they would be willing to con-contribute even more if it assured them the ability to stay home.
So what exactly constitutes ‘satisfactory’ care versus ‘high quality’ care? According to respondents, satisfactory care would entail a well-trained staff who treats them with respect and dignity, as well as access to health and wellbeing services. Being able to file complaints against inappropriate treatment is the additional attribute that qualifies age care as ‘high quality’, the studies found.
Our partners over at avoidagedcare.com.au have put together a comprehensive summary of the Royal Commission and you can read it here.