Improper funding for aged care innovation, provider says

The federal government has failed to respond to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce report in its 2024 budget, according to McLean Care.

As a consequence, the care provider said that any hope of innovation within the aged care sector has suffered a major setback.

McLean Care CEO Sue Thomson said the government must prioritise funding for innovation to ensure a future world-class aged care service that Australians can rely on.

“There are many challenges facing the aged care sector, as numerous reviews and inquiries have highlighted, and we must take action now so that Australians can be assured of quality and dignified care later in life,” she said.

“If we do not properly fund innovation, we are risking the quality of care we can provide to older Australians, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities. This problem cannot be kicked down the road; the government must address the funding shortfalls which are threatening the sustainability of the sector.

“The Aged Care Taskforce report made key recommendations to address the funding challenges facing aged care, including encouraging innovation. The government has everything it needs to act right now, and I urge the federal government not to delay any longer in responding to those recommendations.

“When it comes to aged care funding, regional Australians get left behind. We need a better funding model to support a sustainable future for a sector that every Australian can rely on.

“I call on the Australian Government to invest in aged care innovation and by doing so, invest in a better future for some of our most vulnerable.”

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