Your input on aged care needed

SEPTEMBER 17, 2018: IF you're an aged care provider or involved with seniors’ groups, I'd like to get your input on how the aged care sector can be improved, following the announcement of a royal commission.I understand that many community-run aged care centres in regional and rural Australia struggle.I’ve heard from a number in my electorate and I know that they need considerable funding and support in order to perform better.Now that the Prime Minister has announced the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety I am again seeking input from those directly involved in the aged care sector as well as related community groups and family members about what they would like to see achieved.Initially I would ask that you provide input on what should be investigated; that is, what should be included in the Terms of Reference for the royal commission.But I am also keen to hear ideas on how current funding models can be improved.Aged care providers should submit directly to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, when the process is established.But information provided to me now can be forwarded on to relevant ministers.Though the Terms of Reference will be determined in consultation with the community, the Coalition Government expects it will cover the following:

• The quality of care provided to older Australians, and the extent of substandard care;
• The challenge of providing care to Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care, particularly younger people with disabilities;
• The challenge of supporting the increasing number of Australians suffering dementia and addressing their care needs as they age;
• The future challenges and opportunities for delivering aged care services in the context of changing demographics, including in remote, rural and regional Australia;
• Any other matters that the Royal Commission considers necessary.

The Department of Health is also establishing a website so that people can be kept informed on the progress of the inquiry.