Royal Commission into aged care welcomed

The Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of a Royal Commission into Aged Care in Australia.

The CEO of OCAV, Phillip Wohlers said it was important that the sector offered quality care for all older Australians requiring support in later life.

“All older Australians, regardless of their background, deserve our respect and care. They have the right to make decisions for themselves, to live full and active lives and to be assured when they are vulnerable that they are safe.”

“We welcome the rigour which a Royal Commission will bring to an examination of this industry and will assist wherever we can,” Mr Wohlers said.

He said that it was important for the Royal Commission to look into what can be done to prepare for the increasing demands of an ageing population, and welcomed the release last week of findings from the Aged Care Workforce taskforce.

OCAV also welcomed the support given to the proposed Royal Commission today by the Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten.

Mr Wohlers said that the majority of aged care providers offered outstanding care to their residents and had been shocked by recent events.

OCAV was founded almost 150 years ago and houses and supports about 500 older Victorians in need. It has four retirement villages offering independent and assisted living affordable housing. About 50% of residents were homeless or at risk of homelessness before coming to an OCAV village. It has a waiting list of 1,100 elderly Victorians.

Liscombe House, its aged care facility, provides accommodation and specialised care for residents who are no longer able to live in an independent or assisted living environment.

The 81-room residential aged care facility includes one respite room and a 12-bed dementia- specific facility which is staffed by carers who are trained in dementia care. The Liscombe House is a 30-bed high level care facility providing quality care for residents who have been assessed as needing high level care. In 2017 Liscombe House received a Better Practice Award from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency for its work in delivering peritoneal dialysis. OCAV is a dementia friendly and age friendly community.