We Have a Plan, page-11

Can't help if you are unable to keep abreast of news, even when the news is two weeks old.

(Inset dumb picture here)


'We haven't valued people enough': New aged care minister outlines plans for sector reform

New aged care minister Anika Wells says she wants to bring "security, dignity, quality and humanity back into aged care".

5 June 2022

New aged care minister Anika Wells has outlined her priorities and plans for the sector, including facilitating the migration of overseas aged care workers to address skill shortages.

"Policy settings will be developed in close consultation with the aged care industry and relevant unions."

Prior to the election, the Labor Government also committed to supporting aged care workers’ calls for better pay at the Fair Work Commission.

With the case before the Fair Work Commission already underway, Ms Wells said the government intends to provide a submission.

Ms Wells has also committed to improving the quality of food and nutrition in residential aged care facilities after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found the average expenditure on food to be just $6.

"Good nutrition can contribute to a reduction in falls, fewer infections and illness and, of course, overall happiness and wellbeing for older people. I will work with the aged care sector to develop minimum standards for food and nutrition in residential aged care facilities," she said.

The government also plans to have a registered nurse onsite at residential aged care facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also requiring each resident to receive at least 215 minutes of care per day, including 44 minutes with a registered nurse.

"Australians have shown that they want and expect an aged care system in which older people are genuinely front and centre," Ms Wells said.

"They want to have confidence that the aged care system is there to support them and those they love when and where they need it."


Read more:-
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/not-valued-enough-new-aged-care-minister-outlines-plans-for-sector-reform/niyfzswym