Uniting AgeWell has joined with UnitingCare Australia and Aged and Community Services Australia in welcoming the federal government’s royal commission into the aged care sector.
This follows Monday night’s Four Corners report on the treatment of the elderly in residential care centres.
The investigation revealed widespread neglect, sub-standard food and overworked staff in aged care homes throughout Australia.
“Uniting AgeWell welcomes the federal government’s announcement of a royal commission into the aged care sector in Australia,” a Uniting AgeWell spokesperson said.
“We look forward to contributing to the development of the commission’s terms of reference.”
The royal commission will focus on the quality of care provided to people in residential and home aged care, including young people with disabilities.
UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little said Uniting Church agencies are committed to ensuring the safety of all people in their residential aged care centres.
“As an organisation, we are proud of our history in aged care and the contribution that our services have made in communities over many decades,” she said.
“We stand by the quality of the services that we provide and welcome action to ensure all older people share the broader community expectations of quality, choice and control in their lives.
“Australia has an ageing population, and we believe that we are seeing a shift in aspirations and expectations in the Australian community which needs to be addressed.”
Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA), the peak body for not-for-profit aged care providers, said the royal commission is an opportunity to shape the future of the sector.
“We want the Royal Commission to focus on the root cause and critical issues facing aged care,” ACSA said.
“This will give us the foundation to deliver on public expectations in the future.”
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