Renewed push for centralised system
CHA is repeating its calls for a uniform assessment process following delays in COAG discussions.
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has renewed its calls for a uniform, national aged care assessment process following stalled health discussions.
At the recent COAG (Council of Australian Governments) meeting in Brisbane, the nation’s political leaders resolved to defer any decisions on health reform until next year.
CHA’s CEO, Martin Laverty, said the “talkfest” had failed to deliver real outcomes for clients in aged care services.
“Unwieldy and inconsistent legislation and regulation, and overlapping responsibilities between states and the Commonwealth, are delaying or even preventing timely access to aged care for many older Australians in need,” Mr Laverty said.
“It’s also leaving many older Australians living in hospitals while they wait for aged care – a situation that is both inappropriate for them and impacts on hospital waiting lists.”
Mr Laverty said a centralised system would give clients greater choice about the time and place where they received care.
Both the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission and the National Aged Care Alliance have recommended that the Commonwealth adopt a client-focused funding model, administered by a centralised aged care assessment program.
“Aged care in Australia must be reformed to maximise independence and place older people at the centre of a system that provides a choice of timely, accessible and affordable support and care services,” Mr Laverty said.