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31 May 2021
In this episode of Taking care, we hear from experts on aged care. What could or should the future hold for Australia’s aged care system? Host Tash Miles speaks with Dr Linda Mellors, CEO and Managing Director of Regis Aged Care, Allyson Warrington, CEO of Community Based Support Tasmania and a member of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and geriatrician, Dr Joseph Ibrahim.
Findings and recommendations from the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care dominate the discussion. The momentum built by the Commission and the recent federal budget is seen as mostly positive but only the start of what is needed.
‘It’s very clear that we need systemic improvements across the whole sector. This is a sector that is grossly undervalued, and it’s not supported in the way that other sectors are supported,’ Dr Mellors said.
It was clear that older people need to receive empathy, respect and equity of choice and access to healthcare, without fear of going into aged care. ‘When younger people can look at aged care and say I can see a future, that involves aged care, and not be fearful of it…I have far more faith in the junior, younger generation because they feel very strongly about social justice and they feel very strongly about being fair,’ Dr Ibrahim said. Other themes covered in this episode include the unfair characterisation of aged care staff and the importance of elderly residents having a say in their care. Also, the ongoing struggle of families adjusting to their loved ones entering care facilities. ‘We must support our workforce. Happy staff, happy residents, happy families,’ Dr Mellors added. Listen to it all here.
The Taking care podcast series offers professional and consumer perspectives on current issues and answers some frequently asked questions about public safety in healthcare. Download and listen to the latest Taking care episode today.
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