Post by Banjo on Aug 4, 2011 9:10:54 GMT 7
Gillard government urged to adopt user-pays system for aged care
THE aged care industry has urged both sides of politics to seize a "once in a generation opportunity" to put the sector on a sustainable financial footing.
As Julia Gillard today shifts her focus to aged care reform, Aged and Community Services Australia warned the government not to shirk the tough decisions, including the introduction of nursing home bonds for those who can afford them.
In a speech today, the Prime Minister was to set out the broad framework of the government's aged care reform plan, based on “security and choice”.
The speech is a scene-setter for the release of a Productivity Commission report next week, which is expected to recommend accommodation bonds or reverse mortgages for those entering higher level aged care, with a safety net for those without significant assets.
ACSA chief executive Patrick McClure said the system had to move to a user-pays model, allowing the injection of much-needed investment funds.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity,” he told The Australian Online.
“We've said this to the opposition too - that if the government today doesn't do it, then you're going to have to do it as a future government.
“This is a problem that's not going away. And it's a mainstream issue, not a fringe issue.”
Bonds already exist for low care nursing home accommodation but are not necessary for high care places.
The funds are held in trust, with the interest used to meet care costs and provide capital funding for new aged care developments.
Ms Gillard says Australia needs to overhaul the aged care system to ensure care for two seniors generations - baby boomers and their families.
“Older Australians deserve greater choice and control over their care arrangements than the system currently gives them,” she was to tell the Per Capita thinktank today.
“Funding arrangements for aged care must be fair and they must be sustainable, both for older Australians themselves and for the broader community.”
The focus on aged care reform follows the signing this week of a new health reform deal with the states.
Labor is anxious to provide tangible evidence of its achievements, declaring 2011 as the year of “decision and delivery”.
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/gillard-government-urged-to-adopt-user-pays-system-for-aged-care/story-fn59niix-1226108109858
THE aged care industry has urged both sides of politics to seize a "once in a generation opportunity" to put the sector on a sustainable financial footing.
As Julia Gillard today shifts her focus to aged care reform, Aged and Community Services Australia warned the government not to shirk the tough decisions, including the introduction of nursing home bonds for those who can afford them.
In a speech today, the Prime Minister was to set out the broad framework of the government's aged care reform plan, based on “security and choice”.
The speech is a scene-setter for the release of a Productivity Commission report next week, which is expected to recommend accommodation bonds or reverse mortgages for those entering higher level aged care, with a safety net for those without significant assets.
ACSA chief executive Patrick McClure said the system had to move to a user-pays model, allowing the injection of much-needed investment funds.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity,” he told The Australian Online.
“We've said this to the opposition too - that if the government today doesn't do it, then you're going to have to do it as a future government.
“This is a problem that's not going away. And it's a mainstream issue, not a fringe issue.”
Bonds already exist for low care nursing home accommodation but are not necessary for high care places.
The funds are held in trust, with the interest used to meet care costs and provide capital funding for new aged care developments.
Ms Gillard says Australia needs to overhaul the aged care system to ensure care for two seniors generations - baby boomers and their families.
“Older Australians deserve greater choice and control over their care arrangements than the system currently gives them,” she was to tell the Per Capita thinktank today.
“Funding arrangements for aged care must be fair and they must be sustainable, both for older Australians themselves and for the broader community.”
The focus on aged care reform follows the signing this week of a new health reform deal with the states.
Labor is anxious to provide tangible evidence of its achievements, declaring 2011 as the year of “decision and delivery”.
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/gillard-government-urged-to-adopt-user-pays-system-for-aged-care/story-fn59niix-1226108109858
