Onward&Outward – We need a total aged care system rethink that meets the needs of older people.

Going into 2021 we will face unprecedented challenges and tremendous change, but we must also remember that change always brings great opportunities.

We have also learnt that we have taken huge parts of our lives for granted. Walking freely in the park, going where we want, when we want and the value of human connection – these are the things we are now most grateful for.

Compared to other countries, Australia has been doing incredibly well with our first COVID-19 vaccine due to roll out between the second half of February and early April 2021. The National roll-out strategy has five phases with the first two phases known as Phase 1a and 1b. During these phases the vaccine will be made available to those that we care for across residential care and home and community care services and to our staff. As further details are made available we will communicate these to you all.

Reforms to the Australian Aged Care System

Immediate investment in the aged care workforce is urgently needed to help attract and retain a skilled aged care workforce, to ensure our workforce can meet the aged care needs now and into the future. McLean Care is strongly committed to the necessary reform to enact real change.

The calls for much needed reforms in the aged care system has also highlighted the importance of the Royal Commission and its contribution to developing a long-term and consumer-centred plan for reform that will ensure older Australians receive the quality of care they need and deserve along with easier access to Government-funded aged care services and support.

The Federal Government has announced 10,000 extra home care packages worth $851 million over four years in its mid-year economic outlook released late last year, to reflect the need to provide older Australians with appropriate care.

The Royal Commission

We look forward to the release of the Royal Commission’s final recommendations to better set up Australia for our ageing population and for the decades to come. It has also been announced that the Royal Commission will examine the impact of the Coronavirus on residential aged care and home care, including responses from the sector and governments.

The final report of the Royal Commission will provide a significant opportunity for a reset of aged care so that it will meet current expectations and as a strong regional and rural aged care provider, McLean Care is equipped and ready for this new world. So all eyes will be on this year’s Federal budget, which will be handed down after the Royal Commission’s final report.

We look forward to 2021 and we will continue to work day in and day out to ensure that our residents, clients, staff and communities are safe and cared for.