Industry support for CHA’s proposal
For-profit industry groups have expressed support for the Catholic organisation’s blueprint.
Industry groups representing for-profit aged care providers have joined Catholic Health Australia (CHA) in its call for a relaxation of the restrictions on capital raising and consumer choice.
Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) CEO, Rod Young expressed strong support for CHA saying under current circumstances, it would be impossible to meet consumer demand.
Mr Young said the government should consider a range of options that would allow consumers to contribute more to their costs, including lump sum contributions and daily rental models.
“The industry’s preference is to allow new residents to exercise choice as to how they pay for their accommodation and hotel services, however that should not mean one group of residents cross-subsidising another, as is currently the case,’ Mr Young said.
As providers find it increasingly difficult to build new facilities, concerns are emerging that a shortage of beds in the mining boom state of Western Australia is starting to impact on the public health system.
The Australian Medical Association told the ABC that 200 patients are dying in the state’s hospitals every year due to overcrowding, caused by insufficient residential aged care beds.
“Aged care development has come to a grinding halt here in WA,” said Anne-Marie Archer from ACAA WA. “We can’t afford to build more beds and we already have our state health industry feeling the pressure.”
“Productivity here is exhausted and simply telling us to increase efficiency is not enough.”
