HOME CARE SECRECY HURTING OLDER AUSTRALIANS

08 September 2017

Vulnerable older Australians in the Greater Ipswich and The Somerset region are being kept in the dark over access to vital aged care services.

A national prioritisation list for the Home Care Packages Program for over 65s was introduced in February but the Turnbull Government is still refusing to tell people where they are in the queue or how long they must wait to receive a package.

An undersupply of packages, particularly level four packages for those with high needs, has also left older people waiting many months for the care they need.

The Turnbull Government recently admitted that more than 200 people have been identified as waiting over two years for home care packages.

It is understood that as many as 20 of those extremely vulnerable people are still waiting.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said “Vulnerable older people of Greater Ipswich the Somerset region need additional Home Care Packages released as soon as possible”.

“I have had regular feedback from locals in Ipswich and The Somerset region there are insufficient packages available”

“It is unacceptable for these vulnerable members of our community to be treated with such callous disregard.

“Again we are seeing everyday Australians in need are just not a priority for this uncaring Turnbull Government”.

The Turnbull Government first promised to release wait time data in July and following that failure recommitted to do so by the end of August.

A report by Leading Aged Services Australia, today, has also detailed 17 other critical failures with the implementation of the home care changes.

Vulnerable older people are being forced out of their homes and into residential facilities as their health deteriorates while waiting for support from the Turnbull Government.