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Pressing Concerns for Older Australians in Aged Care Unveiled in OPAN's Latest Report

on Thursday, November 2, 2023

Poor communication and lack of choice and control are the top two issues facing older people in aged care settings for 2022-23, according to a confronting new report. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) today released its third Presenting Issues report which analysed the 36,900 cases handled by aged care advocates across OPAN’s national network.

The report uncovered that despite reforms continuing to be implemented from the Royal Commission, communication issues were very common for both older people living at home and those living in residential aged care.

Older people reported feeling dismissed or ignored, and that their requests or concerns were not heard by their provider. This is important as a new Aged Care Act is currently being drafted with a better and more responsive complaints management and regulation framework.

The report also identified that choice and control were top presenting issues across aged care service types.

In some instances, providers were making decisions on behalf of an older person, or prioritising the decisions of family members or alternative decision-makers instead of the individual’s preferences.

OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said the report plays a fundamentally important role in identifying the most pressing issues facing older Australians receiving aged care in the past 12 months.

“Everyone deserves respect and dignity as they age – but sadly, our rights are eroded as we get older,” Mr Gear said.

“This report allows us to assess the most common presenting issues for older Australians and put forward some practical and actionable recommendations to aged care providers and the Government. 

“It is critical that the issues of communication, choice and control are addressed in the new Aged Care Act through a rights based approach – we simply cannot afford to get this wrong.”

Mr Gear said the report also highlighted the challenge of state and territory guardianship, powers of attorney, and how the administration system interacts with Commonwealth aged care.

“Everyone needs to understand the privilege of being appointed a power of attorney or guardian and that it means you must act on the wish and preference of the older person.

“More education of all parties in this area is needed. 

“OPAN also supports the need for harmonisation of these state and territory systems if older people’s rights are to be genuinely protected and respected.”

“We look forward to working with the Government and our OPAN members on the upcoming Exposure Draft of the new Aged Care Act to ensure the voices of older people are heard,” Mr Gear said.

“I’d like to thank all of the aged care advocates working tirelessly right across our national OPAN network. This report doesn’t exist without your help, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.”

Click here to read the full report.

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