Improving funding of aged care remains a top priority for the majority of Australians, a new poll finds.
According to the Essential Poll, 70 per cent of Australians think it’s important that the next federal budget includes increased funding for aged care.
In response, spokesperson for the Aged & Community Care Provider’s Association Tim Hicks said: “This new poll shows fixing the funding crisis is not just a priority for aged care residents, staff and people who interact with the system, it’s important for all Australians.”
A recent report by the University of Technology Ageing Research Collaborative found more than 60 per cent of aged care homes are operating at a loss, and the financial performance of home care services declined by 26 per cent compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, a separate report from accounting firm StewartBrown estimates that the residential sector will record a $1.3-billion deficit in 2021-22.
“The reality is too many aged care facilities and home care services are at risk of closing or a reduction of services,” said Mr Hicks. “The government should seize the opportunity in the upcoming federal budget to provide financial support for the long-tern sustainability of quality aged care facilities and at-home care programs.”
As well as a rise in funding, ACCPA is calling for an indexation adjustment to increase subsidies paid to providers and an independent aged care pricing authority, as recommended by the aged care royal commission.
“Aged care funding is completely inadequate,” said Mr Hicks. “It’s failing to keep pace with inflation and the cost of Covid and it’s failing to deliver on our modern expectations of support and care.”
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