National Aged Care Alliance calls for greater commitment to aged care

With the Coalition and ALP set to make major policy announcements this week the National Aged Care Alliance (the Alliance) is calling for a greater commitment to aged care, and has launched its political score card.

The Alliance – which represents 27 peak consumer groups, unions, aged care providers and health professionals – says frail older Australians need well-funded, quality and considered assistance, with timely access to health care.

It says the care needs of older Australians have served this country well but their needs have so far been largely ignored by both major political parties in the election campaign.

Addressing aged care is a critical factor in solving the overall pressures on the public health system. Keeping older people healthier, treating their health problems in thecommunities where they live and avoiding hospitalisation are essential factors in alleviating the current crisis that is facing our public hospitals.

The Alliance calls on all parties in the Federal election campaign to set out strategies that will ensure all older Australians are cared for safely and with dignity no matter where they reside.

The Alliance’s Federal election platform and scorecard are available at www.naca.asn.au