Statement: Benetas encourages Government to implement Aged Care Taskforce recommendations

Statement attributable to Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM

Benetas welcomes the release of the Aged Care Taskforce’s report and urges the government to implement the changes quickly to support a fairer and more equitable aged care system.

The recommendation to increase consumer co-contributions for those who can afford it, while ensuring appropriate protection for those who need assistance, is essential to supporting the long term viability of the sector.

The sustainability of our sector and its ability to support our ageing population into the future is a key issue facing our industry.

We need more education for older Australians and their families regarding the true cost of care delivery in residential and home care settings.

Greater transparency of the true asset position of consumers, including superannuation savings, is an important first step in helping to increase funding for the sector to support innovation.

Implementing a means test is a simpler and far less administratively burdensome way of increasing funding, so that providers can concentrate on essential service delivery and caring for residents.

Other welcomed recommendations in the report include allowing providers to retain a portion of the Refundable Accommodation Deposit to support immediate improvement to sector financial sustainability, encouraging greater clarity for consumers regarding coverage of services in home care, and measures to support thin markets.

It is pleasing to see that there has been acknowledgment of the impact of financial instability on the sector’s confidence and ability to invest in innovative care models. We know the important role that technology can play as an enabler for Australians to remain in their homes longer, so it’s pleasing to see consideration of this important measure in the report.

This report provides a significant first step in paving the way for a fairer and more sustainable system that can support the evolving needs of Australians into the future.