Regular physio sessions give Illawarra Diggers resident Clem Selway welcome relief from pain.
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However the provision of vital services such as physio could be at risk under federal budget cuts to aged care to come into play from July 1.
That’s the word from the CEOs of four of the region’s not-for-profit aged care providers who came together on Monday morning to highlight the looming crisis.
Warrigal CEO Mark Sewell said the cuts – which will see the Turnbull government save $1.2 billion over four years – will have a dramatic impact on residents as well as the viability of the sector.
‘’We know that the federal budget is stretched and that savings are required,’’ he said. ‘’But these cuts are pretty ruthless ... and are going to affect new residents who move into aged care homes in a way possibly unintended by the government.’’
Harbison Care CEO Don Ross said the cuts targeted residents with complex healthcare needs by restricting accessing to services including medication management, pain relief and physiotherapy.
‘’We don’t want people in their last stages of life to be in pain,’’ he said.
Peter Whittall, CEO of Illawarra Diggers, said with Australia’s ageing population, funding in this area should be increasing.
‘’These cuts are targeting an area of increasing need – with people now entering aged care when they’re older, frailer and with more complex health needs.’’
In Australia, those in need of care are assessed under the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI), with their funds then allocated to their aged care provider.
Mr Sewell – regional chairman of Aged and Community Services – said under the two rounds of cuts (on July 1 this year, and January 1, 2017) some residents could lose up to $20,000 per year.
‘’Aged care providers use this funding to improve each resident’s quality of life and manage their chronic healthcare needs,’’ he said.
‘’Funding cuts will mean providers will have to make some tough choices about what services are provided.’’
In the Illawarra, Warrigal, Harbison Care, Illawarra Diggers and Bluehaven provide care services for over 920 older people; most of whom could not make up for a shortfall in funds according to the CEOs.
‘’The government needs to relook at the ACFI tool to simplify it and make sure people with the most complex care needs don’t miss out,’’ Mr Sewell said.
Aged Care Minister Sussan Ley said the government would further consult with the sector on the reforms.
‘’Aged care residents will continue to receive the care they need with the highest levels of funding going to those with the highest need, which is the way it should be,’’ she said.
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