WITH the Royal Commission into Aged Care in Australia findings damning there is a new push to improve the lot of Australians that find themselves in need of residential aged care.

This is considerable concern to residents of Port Stephens and the Myall region which has a much higher than average age.

Recorded in the 2016 census, the mean age in Port Stephens was 45 years old.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

People aged 65 years and over made up 22.9% of the population.

In Tea Gardens, the mean age in 2016 was 65 years and people aged 65 years and over made up 52.0% of the population.

The mean age in Hawks Nest is 58, and people aged 65 years and over made up 39.3% of the population.

This means that a large percentage of people living in the region are likely to need either a Homecare Package or Residential Aged Care at some time in the future, while many already are.

The Health Services Union has launched a hard-hitting advertising campaign targeting Nationals MP Pat Conaghan and the Prime Minister, urging them to address Australia’s aged care crisis in the upcoming budget.

“The Federal Government must finally address the damning Aged Care Royal Commission in its budget next week with a drastic increase in funding,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU President.

“Aged care residents and hard-working staff have spent far too long waiting for this government to act.

“Four in ten aged care workers intend to leave the sector within the next five years, because they are at breaking point.”

Homecare Packages have been increased and for many this is the gold standard of care that they would like to access, being able to stay in your own home rather than entering a facility is a positive option.

While Homecare Packages are generally delivered by aged care organisations, there are now platforms such as Mable.com.au that allow you to organise and recruit your own home care team.

One Port Stephens family that are accessing a Level 4 Homecare Package via a platform have found, “It is relatively easy to navigate and recruit people to deliver care and the carers tend to get paid more, so they are happy, and mum is happy to be able to stay at home, which she wouldn’t be able to do without the Homecare Package.”

Scott Morrison is being pressured to deliver more for the Aged Care Sector in the upcoming budget, which will be delivered Tuesday 11 May 2021.

By Marian SAMPSON