Caring For Older Australians

Aged care assists over one million older Australians and its range and quality of services have improved over the last decade but the system suffers several key weaknesses. It is difficult to navigate and the quantity of services is limited. Quality can be variable, there are gaps in service coverage and limited choices for care recipients. Pricing, subsidies and user co-contributions are inconsistent and inequitable within and between care settings. Workforce shortages are exacerbated by uncompetitive wages and over-regulation. The system will be further challenged by an increase in the numbers and expectations of older people, a relative decline in informal carers and the need for a larger workforce. The Commission’s proposals address these weaknesses and challenges and promote higher quality care. The focus is on enhancing the well-being of older Australians — promoting independence, connectedness and choice.

Click here to download draft report - http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/aged-care/draft.

2020 A Vision for Aged Care in Australia

From 2001 to 2021 the proportion of Australians over 65 years will increase from 2.4 million (12.5% of the total population) to 4.2 million (18%). By 2021, there will be close to 1.7 million people aged over 75 years, and 480,000 over the age of 85.

This booklet looks at aged care issues today and how we need to address these problems as the number of people needing care increases in the years ahead.

The Myer Foundation vision is to reform  Australia's aged care system, ensuring the growing population of older Australians in 2020 can confidently access the care and support they need, this vision is supported by a five point plan which includes community care, housing, administration, funding and industry planning. Click here to download booklet...