The following media release has been issued this morning by Stephen Kobelke, CEO, Aged & Community Services Western Australia.
Media Release
Like other states around Australia, Western Australia’s aged care sector is struggling – and yet the issues affecting the industry are being further magnified within the state because of its rapidly growing economy and a renewed major skills shortage, says WA’s peak aged care peak body.
The claim follows the release of the Third Intergenerational Report yesterday, in which the CEO of Aged and Community Services of WA (ACSWA), Stephen Kobelke, said the opportunity to implement critical reform to ease the crisis had been missed.
“ACSWA has continuously called for an overhaul of Australia’s aged care sector to deal with the extremely challenging environment we are encountering, and to care for unprecedented numbers of older West Australians,” says Mr Kobelke.
“The Intergenerational Report must serve as a stark reminder of the urgent changes that are necessary if we are to meet the diverse care needs of our state’s frail and elderly population.
“These needs are different to other states because of the sheer size of WA and the specific requirements of our regional and remote services, coupled with the difficulties in finding skilled workers in what is verging, once again, on a booming economy.”
The Report highlights that Australia’s over 65 population will triple in the next 40 years, from three million to more than eight million.
“Getting aged care right is a vital component of the overall health reform agenda and catering for the accommodation and care needs of older West Australians must be a major feature of the Government’s broad agenda to manage the future of our country,” adds Mr Kobelke.
“This is a challenge that needs to be urgently faced by governments today, it can’t be put on the backburner any longer because the sector is already contending with serious funding issues, over regulation, and in some parts of Western Australia, a major shortfall in services and accommodation.
“We would welcome the opportunity to work with government to tackle the current challenges and put the whole sector on a secure and sustainable footing; one that is prepared for the needs of our rapidly ageing population.”
Data released last year shows in home community care services for the aged have declined in real terms from an average of seven hours care per week just 10 years ago to only five hours per week in 2008 - a decline of nearly 20 per cent driven by the failure of funding increases to match costs.
ACSWA is the largest peak industry body in WA representing not-for-profit organisations that operate residential facilities or community care services for the aged and people with disabilities. The 135 member organisation provides nursing home and hostel care, independent living units, serviced apartments, community care and respite care services via 550 separate sites across the state.
ENDS
Stephen Kobelke
Chief Executive Officer