Central Coast seniors were given a voice in helping to shape the findings of the national Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety with a forum held recently, as It was held at Yallambee Village, West Gosford, an Evergreen Life Care centre.
The forum highlighted concerns of the elderly, including inadequate funding and the need for easier access to care, the retention of quality staff, more investment in dementia, reablement and respite services, especially in regional areas like the Central Coast.
“For the past year, the Royal Commission has heard traumatic stories affecting some of our most vulnerable older citizens and their families,” Evergreen Life Care CEO, Helen Wilson, said.
“Sadly, these findings cast a shadow over the many instances of quality care provided, leaving our community confused and dismayed.
“No Central Coast residents should be afraid of growing older or afraid of aged care.
“That is why we hosted the forum, to give locals a voice in feedback to the Royal Commission, to highlight the type of society we want to live in.”
More than 70 attended the community consultation on January 24, including local retirees, family carers, health professionals, academics, financial advisors and lawyers.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, outlined the value of listening to older people and the Federal Government’s investment in home care and reducing the use of medical restraint in residential care.
But, Grant Corderoy, a senior partner with aged care finance specialists, StewartBrown, highlighted a new report showing 51 per cent of residential care providers made a loss in the first quarter of this financial year.
Evergreen Life Care Chairman, James Roberts, said that as a not-for-profit organisation, Evergreen invested any surplus generated back into services to meet community needs.
“In recent years, the needs of residents in aged care have increased, along with community expectations and regulatory changes, so it is imperative that reforms ensure system sustainability and better coordination between health and aged care,” Roberts said.
Source:
Media release, Jan 30
Evergreen Life Care