CHA repeats call for flexibility

The national peak body for Catholic-affiliated aged care providers has reiterated its call for a more flexible of the aged care system.

Less than a month after releasing a blueprint for greater consumer choice in aged care, Catholic Health Australia echoed its suggestions in a submission to the Senate Inquiry into aged care.

Speaking at a health reform conference in Tasmania, CHA’s CEO, Martin Laverty outlined more details about a proposal to overhaul the aged care assessment process.

“All older Australians who need care should be given the right to choose whether to receive that care in their own home, or in a residential aged care facility,” Mr Laverty said.

“Bringing the aged care assessment, admission, and funding processes together in a one-stop shop would improve consistency in applying assessment criteria, widen the choices available to all frail older Australians, and ensure continuity of care.”

Mr Laverty added that the current system, which has three different levels of funding for Commonwealth community care and more than 60 levels of funding for residential aged care, caused unnecessary upheaval for many clients.

“Under the current system, if a person receiving care in their own home has to move from a low level of care to a higher level of care, they may have to change care providers,” Mr
Laverty said.

“People share a unique and intimate relationship with their paid carers. To be forced to take on a new team at a time of heightened physical, emotional or mental vulnerability can be extremely disruptive and upsetting.”

The CHA submission also outlines a proposal for published bed rental amounts in residential aged care.