70% of Australians want increased aged care funding: poll

Increasing funding in the next federal budget for aged care was important to 70% of Australians, according to The Essential Report poll.

Reducing the national deficit was important for 59% of the national community. A recent report by the University of Technology Ageing Research Collaborative found more than 60% of residential aged care homes are operating at a loss, and the financial performance of home care services declined by 26% compared to the previous year.

A separate report from accounting firm StewartBrown estimates that after excluding one off-items the residential care sector will record a $1.3bn deficit in 2021–2022.

Tim Hicks, spokesperson for the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), said, “Aged care funding is completely inadequate; it’s failing to keep pace with inflation and the cost of COVID outbreaks and it’s failing to deliver on our modern expectations of support and care.

“This new poll shows fixing the funding crisis/gap (choose one) is not just a priority for aged care residents, staff and people who interact with the system, it’s important for all Australians.

“The reality is too many aged care facilities and home care services are at risk of closing or a reduction of services.

“It is clear that aged care workers need a significant pay rise now but without additional support, aged care providers cannot attract more workers and realise improvements in the quality of care.

“The government should seize the opportunity in the upcoming federal budget to address the workforce shortage crisis and provide financial support for the long-term sustainability of quality aged care facilities and at-home care programs.

“ACCPA would an indexation adjustment to increase subsidies to providers included in the upcoming budget and urgent action for an independent aged care pricing authority, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

“We are happy for there to be a link between this additional funding and spending, with many providers already spending substantially more than they get from government.

“With high public support for aged care reform, ACCPA looks forward to the budget and ongoing collaboration with the new Minister for Health and Aged Care and Minister for Aged Care on practical solutions to maintain important aged care and support services for older people,” he said.

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