There has been a 20 per cent increase since last year in demand for support from older people to help resolve issues with their aged care providers, according to a new report released today.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) today released its fourth Presenting Issues report which analysed more than 44,000 cases of advocacy and information support across its national network of advocates in 2023-2024.
The top two issues are poor communication and lack of information from providers, topping the list for a second year in a row. Issues around fees and charges also dominated the complaints.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said the issues raised by older people had been consistent with the last three annual reports.
"It is disappointing to see that yet again, people are struggling to have clear communication and information from their aged care providers," Mr Gear said.
"Our analysis shows day to day breaches, suggesting fundamental ageist and ableist beliefs pervade the aged care sector, leaving older people in the dark on important decisions affecting their care.
"When a person isn't given sufficient or consistent information by their frontline staff or service providers, they cannot exercise their right to influence decisions about their care and support.
"The sector is undergoing complex change and additional oversights are being implemented to address many of these issues.
"But these reforms are slow and older people are telling us we need to move faster.
"The new Aged Care Act has the potential to improve many of the issues raised in our Presenting Issues report, but we remain concerned about the delay in implementation which is slated for 1 July 2025."
Mr Gear said the Report includes 47 recommendations, 23 of which remain from the previous year's report.
"Our chief recommendation is that all workers must be required to uphold the Statement of Rights so that older people's needs and wishes are addressed," Mr Gear said.
"When it comes to the Support at Home program, the Act must provide for exception pathways so we aren't forcing people to make a choice between a shower, or having their home cleaned.
"We cannot delay the new Aged Care Act any longer. Every day we do, we are failing to meet the basic needs and rights of our older Australians.
"I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to this important report, and I look forward to engaging with the Government on the key findings and our recommendations."
