The three aged care changes the peak national body wants to see urgently

The national peak body representing aged care is calling for three urgent changes to better protect the elderly against COVID-19 and future pandemics.

In the first five weeks of this year, 533 people in aged care have died because of COVID-19.

Leading Age Services Australia, has written to the government calling for three key changes to keep aged care residents safe.

CEO Leading Aged Services Australia, Sean Rooney, says “it’s got to be a national priority to do all we can to protect older Australians in the aged care system”.

“The pandemic is magnifying the structural deficiencies in the aged care system that … the royal commission identified. Namely that we need more staff, we need them better skilled and qualified and we need them appropriately paid,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“Secondly, we need to ensure that the services are resourced with all necessary means to prevent outbreaks, but in the event of an outbreak to respond effectively.

“Thirdly, we need a national coordination capability that then coordinates with state level jurisdictions … to make sure that planning, preparation and prevention are all front-loaded.”

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