Commission to improve quality of aged care

THE federal Coalition is talking up the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, with Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson saying the independent body would offer a onestop quality and safety website and a single contact number for aged care concerns and queries.

Ms Henderson said the commission would better target sub-standard care and ensure the safety and security of local seniors.

“For the first time, local seniors and their loved ones have one place to go when they need help, want to raise a concern, or access information about an aged care service.

“While the vast majority of aged care homes and their dedicated staff provide outstanding care, the new commission is about giving confidence to residents and their families and ensuring quality care is delivered at all times.

“The commission will also be empowered by the new aged care Charter of Rights and will implement the new, stronger set of Aged Care Quality Standards, the first upgrade of standards in 20 years.”

The commission has a budget of almost $300 million over four years, with more than $48 million to continue ramping up compliance checks and risk management, including the employment of dozens of new compliance officers and developing options for a Serious Incident Response Scheme.

Ms Henderson said the commission’s focus was to safeguard all people receiving aged care services, including the hundreds of recipients in her electorate.

“The new website has been carefully designed and tested to ensure it is user-friendly, with easily searchable information.”

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can be contacted by phoning 1800 951 822 or by heading to agedcarequality.gov.au.