the troubadour

Something that many of us will have realised to date if ever been exposed to the Aged Care System in Australia, by looking for care for loved ones or people known to us. Four Corners will show an expose on our aged care facilities on ABC tonight. This is long in coming and begs the question why? Am I being overly cynical in thinking this government's such increase in funding is as a result of this show? Not to say the call for a Royal Commission into the rotting system by the Morrison government. Odd as he as Financial Minister cut spending in a range of welfare cuts over time. Anyway, bring on the Royal Commission, with powers of reference that will really allow no stone unturned. The Banking Royal Commission , while very welcome, to which Morrison denied was needed for a considerable long time, revealed some very shonky practices to say the least. How about one on the Real Estate Industry next? Time to get this country on the right road again and a government that works on behalf of the people. Time to people to get over seeing 'negativity' as a treacherous act and demand better.

GarryP

The problem with aged care is the same as other western countries - people live longer (but in poor health), which means the segment of society that's elderly increases and the cost increases with it. Most of your healthcare costs are in your final decade.

And that is what drives the immigration laws (trying to get in younger families), superannuation laws, etc.

If the government can cut, even by 10%, the amount they spend on the elderly, it makes a big difference to the overall finances. Hence pushing up the retirement age and cutting back on support - all whilst trying to keep the elderly vote turning up for the coalition by ramping up the fear.

For all they say the want to improve aged care - the reality is they want the elderly to die as quickly as possible after retiring.

the troubadour

The problem in the Australian Aged sector is poor accountability, poor trained and paid staff, over worked, little accountability and very difficult to ascertain the good from the chaff.
There are few incentives to encourage doctors to specialise in aged care as well.
The private sector sees it as a high profit potential, if costs can be kept to a minimum. While the west in general is ageing (and Japan) Australia's aged are far less in number than many European countries, whom, at least in Northern Europe arrive at far better outcomes.

As for high immigration numbers, well migrants age in place, hence ever more migrants would be required to relieve pressure. Hardly a solution. But you are right. They want as to be quiet, and die as quickly as possible, once economic usefulness is completed.
Greater awareness just may lead to more pressure to adapt higher standards' we all get old, if lucky enough. It is in everyone's benefit to ensure world best practise.

BadgeIsBack

It's one of the reasons I keep fit and healthy as a investment for old age: our parents are in their 80s and in good health: my Dad is on his bike every day at 85 and has no need for a home. I see middle aged men starting to neglect their health and wonder whether its a slippery slope..

the troubadour

Yes indeed to above comment. But no matter how fit we keep age will wary most of us at some stage. It would be a comfort to know that quality help would be provided over those years. Surely the markings of a civilized and humane society? Spare a thought for those alone or with limited support attempting to navigate through the present system.
Australia is known as an ageist society but can strive to be more exclusive. We have tackled racism and sexual bias or at least opened up the discussion on these subjects. Age is not a minority matter it will impact on all of us, lucky enough to arrive at such a state of being. It at the end of the day, self interest. Something most people, in other situations are very good at.

Dorothy

That's all well and good until dementia develops. No amount of bike rides at age 85 prevents that.

Amazulu

It's all about the brain mate

If that goes, everything else is pointless

Amazulu

F**k going into one of those shitholes

Our plan is to be able to afford 24/7 care at home until we die - without any financial assistance from the state

Pollyana

Or until your dodgy genes catch up with you No amount of exercise would have stopped my arthritis taking over.

the troubadour

There are many reasons folk end up in nursing homes, one being the remaining partner, probably of age themselves, finds it increasingly difficult to cope. All very well to say home care, this is far from developed yet in Australia.
This trend is becoming fast the norm in countries like Switzerland and Germany , where those employed live in the house (houses are often bigger in those countries though, where the carer, can indeed have an entire' floor' of a house to themselves if not living exactly with their 'care'. The situation is somewhat different in these countries though, with adult kids directly involved in care, including meeting a cost contribution if parent income insufficient , hence 'live in care help' in increasing demand. The issue being though, many if not most, are non nationals, in many cases have poor language skills, indeed in one case it was easier to speak English with 'aged carer' whom was from Romania than the language of the country due to inability to communicate of person. Only in position less than six months so will improve. But to improve 'home grown' nationals , with language and 'top drawer skills', hardly cheap, hence East Europeans employed in place. Usually from Poland, but increasingly Romania and some from Bulgaria. The better language skills can amount to demanding higher incomes, or the strong possibility of taking their 'skill and experience' to a better paying 'employer'.
Like I say rather common in Middle Europe, where expectations are rather high, family in way of adult kids, expected to provide, with costs high. Luckily medical services are of a very high standard are free. There are drugs available there not included under Medicare, but after care help remains at a very high level . Folk complain, but know they have world best practise when it comes to health care at least.

the troubadour

It's the last perhaps five years of life, when most ailments impact the body and care is difficult in a home environment. But indeed for those unlucky enough to become impaired by dementia or related diseases, these can hit far, far earlier. All reasons why we have a vested interest each and everyone of us to prioritise aged cage facilities and not forgetting greater reward for family carers, where easily career or employment may be terminated early, in order to look after loved one.

BadgeIsBack

Gnes play a factor: my old man has a heairng aid but is fine, as is my mother but they are physically and mentally active. My Dad would be up and about and helping everyone: he does a lot of volunteer work in his mid 80s. My point is that I'd rather be in a home already on the way out in my 90s than in my 70s. A slow prolonged stay from your late 70s would perhaps be miserable in the wrong place.

Part of the problem is that people are naturally ageist: people talk to the elderly like they are kids; and they don't get the interaction they need: it creates a vicious circle and helps the elderly spiral into despair. A lot of aged carers are not much younger than the residents.

I am considering volunteering.

the troubadour

Yes to above, but a lot is culturally biased as well. Fact is some countries ageing remains more a part of the life cycle, while others glorify the condition of youth to the determent of age .It is interesting to witness the well being experienced the further south one travels in Europe , with the old in far more evidence in the community and active parts.
I believe it is this that keeps the ageing mind more agile. Nothing worse than ageing alone out of community participation, with reliance on immediate family (if any) for contact and socialisation.
Keeping an interest in life, discussing events outside immediate reality, keeping the mind ticking over, travelling if that's your thing, basically wanting to be alive, goes a long way towards personal salvation in age IMO.

But age will weary most of us, that do not succumb to disease or illness on the way. It would be very reassuring for all concerned to know top drawer care is available at such times. Making excuses or sweeping under carpet the shabbiness that exists for all too many at present, should be non negotiable.

the troubadour

As for volunteering I am of two minds for that. While the individual may mean well, many do not have the training involved to replace fully trained personal, regardless of issue at hand, which does not refer to aged care of course. It should not be a way around cutting costs either. We need full accountability. Saying that, for caring folk, to sit and talk to lonely aged people or run a few errands for them, and show a little real felt compassion.

spouse of scouse

Looking at a couple of private care providers in the Perth area, current cost for full time live in care in the home, including night care, is $11,000 per week. If you can afford that, great. If not, you might want to at least consider applying for government assistance in the form of an in home care package subsidy.