A leading public policy think tank has released a blueprint for a rights-based system of aged care that would see Australia divided into 30 regions, with managers responsible for individual support plans.
The Grattan Institute report, Reforming Aged Care: A practical plan for a rights based system, says a new Aged Care Act, as recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission, would create a system that guaranteed aged care support.
“Australia needs a new aged care system. This report identifies three key changes needed to create a rights-based system that would ensure older Australians can get the support they need to stay active, independent, and engaged in the community for as long as possible,” the report states.
As part of the proposed system, every older citizen would have access to the assistance of a local ‘assessment officer’ to formulate a support plan, with a ‘support manager’ to act as an advocate for care and services.
“Rather than a poorly-regulated and fragmented system far away in Canberra, 30 regionally-based ‘system managers’ across the country should be made responsible for the care of older Australians in a defined geographic area,” the report stated.
“Older Australians should have face-to-face help to obtain a range of diverse and high-quality service options.
“They should manage the local service system and only accredit providers dedicated to the rights of older Australians.”
The system would allow more Australians to have care and support in their own homes.
The report says spending an additional $7 billion a year – a 35% increase on current expenditure – could provide all older Australians with the care and support they need.
It is envisaged the new system would have a three-year phase-in period starting next year with a trial in South Australia and Tasmania.
