The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), Council of the Ageing (COTA), and the Maggie Beer Foundation hosted an event in Parliament House last night about the critical importance of food and dining in aged care and the issues and opportunities presented by the new Aged Care Act.
Convened through the Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care, the event was facilitated by high-profile journalist Hamish Macdonald and featured prominent panellists Maggie Beer, OPAN CEO Craig Gear, and COTA CEO Patricia Sparrow. The Assistant Minister for Ageing, the Honourable Kate Thwaites MP spoke at the event following its opening by Rebekha Sharkie MP.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear said the panel discussion was lively and robust, with a clear focus on improving the food and dining experience in Aged Care Homes across Australia. The event also discussed the importance of rights and the new Aged Care Act.
"The purpose of this event was to provide an opportunity for MPs and other Parliamentarians to understand the importance of continuing to invest in the training of aged care cooks and chefs and improve standards across the board but particularly in relation to food as well as the importance of a rights-based Aged Care Act," Mr Gear said.
Maggie Beer said: "Whilst the recent experiment showcased in the ABC TV series shows what can be achieved in improving the food and dining experience in aged care, the Maggie Beer Foundation has been doing this vital work for the past ten years. We understand it takes commitment, leadership and importantly investment in our valuable cook and food services staff and we need the whole aged care team to be engaged in this change journey. It's our mission to raise the bar and change the food and dining experience in the aged care sector - older people's lives are at risk if we don't."
COTA Australia CEO Patricia Sparrow said "It is critically important that older people are at the centre of the new Act, and that they receive the quality care, independence and respect they deserve.
"We have said it time and time again, but the Government must introduce the new Act this year – we cannot afford to wait any longer for this important reform.", Mr Gear said.
