The Australian aged care system is failing its elderly citizens, leaving them in a desperate wait for support. But is the government's recent privatization move to blame?
Peter O'Shannessy's story is a tragic example of the system's flaws. After a throat cancer surgery, this 74-year-old man needed urgent care, but his family faced a shocking reality: a wait of seven to nine months for the approved care package. And they weren't alone; over 121,000 people were in the same queue.
But here's where it gets controversial: The government decided to privatize aged care assessments, a move costing over $1.2 billion. This shift, however, has been criticized for its lack of preparation. Former assessors claim the new system is rushed, with companies under pressure to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), potentially compromising care quality.
One former assessor, Janine Mason, revealed a disturbing practice: elderly people being dropped from the waiting list if they didn't answer phone calls promptly. This raises questions about the system's humanity and fairness.
The government disagrees with these claims, stating that the median wait time for assessments is just 23 days. Yet, the ABC has found that over half of the contracted assessment companies are also service providers, a potential conflict of interest.
And this is the part most people miss: The Royal Commission recommended streamlining assessments but not privatization, and suggested assessors be independent of service providers to avoid conflicts. However, the government's tender document reveals a 12-month grace period for companies to meet KPIs, including face-to-face assessments, which may further delay much-needed support.
Peter's family, still grieving, worries about others without their support network. Eloise Randall, Peter's daughter, fears for vulnerable elderly Australians, stating, 'It's probably too hard to navigate the bureaucratic system.'
This story begs the question: Is the privatization of aged care assessments helping or hindering elderly Australians? Share your thoughts below.
