Leading aged care provider backs Brumby’s reform Agenda

Leading Victorian aged care provider, Benetas, today joined Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV) to support Premier John Brumby’s agenda that urges the federal government to fully address aged care requirements as part of proposed health reform.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills expressed the organisation’s full support of Premier Brumby’s reform agenda, in particular the Premier’s eighth short-term priority on Transition and sub acute reform.

“There are far too many older Victorians filling hospital beds while they wait for an aged care place to become available,” Ms Hills said today.

“And it’s costing the State’s health system. The average cost of a hospital stay is $1100 per day, compared to just $140 for an aged care bed.

“We join ACCV in the suggestion that the industry work with the Government to create various models of sub acute and restorative care within both residential aged care or in home settings supported by aged care specialist providers.”

Ms Hills said that rectifying base funding is vital as a short-term priority for Prime Minister Rudd.

“As outlined in the Premier’s document, a new system of annual funding indexation for both residential and community care is necessary, as well as the abolishment of the Commonwealth’s ‘Adjusted Subsidy Reduction’ which leaves Victoria with an annual loss of $14 million,” says Ms Hills.

“We need to focus on prevention rather than a cure and ensure we deliver comprehensive primary care after older patients are discharged from hospital.”

Ms Hills said that while bed licences are awarded free to providers, the sector simply can’t absorb the capital costs of building new facilities until the government provides further funding.

“Additionally, the care needs of our ageing population are changing –most aged care residents require high care, and we’re experiencing huge demand from people with complex, chronic health care needs, including dementia.

“Alongside Aged and Community Care Victoria, Benetas is ready to work with federal and state governments to build an aged care system that will meet the needs of our ageing population.”

Media contact: Michelle Low on 0417 536 662

Benetas is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in 1948. Benetas provides quality aged care services for more than 2,000 older Victorians within its 12 residential care facilities and through its extensive community care programs that enable older people to stay at home with support. Benetas is also one of the leading providers of dedicated day and overnight respite services in Victoria.