The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has publicly released its 2011 Position Statement on Funding of Residential Aged Care, which was adopted by the organisation's federal council in November.

AMA Vice President, Professor Geoffrey Dobb, said there was no doubt that the funding of residential aged care now and into the future in a fair and sustainable way was a complex and emotive challenge for the nation.

“It is the debate we have to have,” Professor Dobb said.

“Aged care, incorporating quality medical services, is integral to Australia’s health system and the community.

“It is essential that older Australians are able to access affordable and appropriately resourced residential aged care services when they require them. We must ensure that older Australians receive care in the most appropriate environment, avoiding unnecessary hospitalisations.

“The Government must make aged care policy a priority going into 2012, building on this year’s comprehensive report from the Productivity Commission.

“We note that the Business Council of Australia has also this week raised the need for urgent changes and long term planning in aged care.”

The AMA believes that the principles that any new aged care funding model should be based on several principles:

• Providing universal access for every Australian to the basic standard of residential agedcare services according to their needs, regardless of their ability to pay
• Spreading the costs for those who need longer than average residential aged care
• Permitting individuals to choose their provider and to pay for additional or higher quality services if they choose
• Providing certainty to residential aged care providers and is sustainable for future generations.

Click here to view the AMA Position Statement on Funding of Residential Aged Care 2011.