New policy blueprint from LASA
Access to care, residential accommodation pricing, workforce and consumer directed care are among the areas covered in a new policy blueprint being developed by Leading Age Services Australia, the peak body has announced.
Access to care, residential accommodation pricing, workforce and consumer directed care are among the areas covered in a new policy blueprint being developed by Leading Age Services Australia, the peak body has announced.
According to LASA, the blueprint also covers quality provision, diversity and additional needs, retirement living, and technology and innovation
Over 60 senior provider members delivering the full spectrum of age services in both private and not-for-profit facilities together formed a policy blueprint for the age services industry in Melbourne yesterday, LASA said in a statement.
“Yesterday some of our best and brightest gathered with clear intent to develop and implement policies to ensure Australia can meet its social obligations and provide high quality care and accommodation services to older Australians,” said Patrick Reid CEO of LASA.
“LASA’s membership base spans large private operators, regional not for profit and mission based providers and also those providing specialist cultural services and even care to homeless older Australians.”
Mr Reid said senior advisers to both Minister Mitch Fifield and Kevin Andrews’ offices were present, which demonstrated “the importance of a strong, clear and united voice across age services.”
“With the demands on workforce and funding yesterday’s event drew a line in the sand. From here on age services will be recognised as a critical human service.
“To date governments have expected providers to provide greater services with less funding. This action by government places older Australians in jeopardy and will not be tolerated by LASA.
“As the peak body, LASA is well placed to provide government and policy makers with essential data to ensure quality services continue. LASA’s approach is not ‘watchful waiting’, preferring pre-emptive action,” said Mr Reid.
LASA said it expected the finalised blueprint to be available by the end of April.
