The national Our Turn to Care campaign for better aged care services is due to ramp up in Batemans Bay on Thursday, June 21.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A community forum to discuss the campaign starts at the Solders Club at 6pm.
The “Our Turn to Care” campaign aims to ensure all older Australians have access to safe, secure, reliable and non-discriminatory care.
Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said the Federal Government had cut $1.2 billion from the Aged Care Funding Instrument in 2016.
“Nothing says more about our values and priorities as Australians than the way we treat and care for our older citizens,” Mr Hayes said.
“Cuts to aged care funding, combined with the Australia’s steadily ageing population, are creating a perfect storm in the aged care sector.
“Too often we hear stories of aged care facilities across Australia being forced to scrimp on basics and struggling to make ends meet.
“As a result, the standard of care, quality of food and cleanliness of facilities are all at risk of falling well below the level that all Australians deserve.
“The problem lies in the way the aged care sector is funded. It is just not sustainable.
“We need to make sure aged care is supported to meet the growing demand, and to guarantee people on the South Coast choice and control over their care arrangements.”