GPs want better health care for elderly

The current health system is “too fragmented and difficult” for many old people to access, according to the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN).

Calls to spend $141.2 million over three or four years in five key areas of aged care have now been made for the next federal Budget, with the aim to improve healthcare for older Australians.

Some key areas include finding local solutions to address gaps in health care in communities, establishing a new evidence-based program to support older people with complex conditions and chronic care needs, and extra funding to enhance timely diagnosis and effective management of dementia care.

“It’s time to move on from the fragmented, disconnected system that confronts ageing Australians and instead move towards a coordinated, locally driven and sustainable system,” AGPN chair, Emil Djakic, says.

In its budget submission, the AGPN welcomed the funding already announced for the Medicare Local network. It will become the national body representing Medicare Locals, starting from early 2012.

One of its funding requests was for $22.8 million to be spent over four years to use the Medical Local network to roll out national programs supporting greater physical activity among older people.