More Aboriginal respite needed

There is a severe shortage of overnight respite and short-term emergency care for older Aboriginal people on the New South Wales mid north coast, according to a new report.

A scoping study conducted by Southern Cross University’s Aged Services Learning and Research Centre (ASLaRC) on behalf of the Moonee Elders’ Centre, north of Coffs Harbour.

“Based on population estimates and planning ratios, there should be 132 Aboriginal-specific community care places,” said Professor Colleen Cartwright.

“In our study area, which covers the area from south of Nambucca Heads, north to Maclean and west of Dorrigo, there are at present no Aboriginal-specific residential places and only a limited number of Aboriginal-specific Community Care Packages.”

The report also identified a need for more Aboriginal health workers to provide care and support to Aboriginal elders.

Professor Cartwright said the Moonee site, previously a motel, was centrally sited within the Gumbaynggirr nation and would be suitable for the staged development of aged care services.

“What is needed is the development of aged care services covering social, care and health needs and capable of being extended over time to include residential respite,” she said.

The chair of Yarrawarra Aged Care Ltd, Tony Perkins said the scoping study, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, provided a comprehensive report on all the services required.

“We are now in a position to present our urgent needs in caring for Aboriginal elders, which in turn will bridge the gap in health and care and contribute to a healthier lifestyle,” Mr Perkins said.