Coffee Morning Aged Care Reforms
In September we held a residents’ coffee morning dedicated to upcoming reforms to in-home aged care. Helen Carmichael from the Eastern Collaborative Project gave an interesting overview of the changes which will become effective from 1 July 2024. The reforms are a result of the Royal Commission’s report into Aged Care quality and safety released in March 2021 and are designed to provide genuine improvements which will allow older Australians to stay living independently in their homes for longer. These changes will include: • improving access to services • better aligning services to the needs of older people • reducing admin costs • better supporting client independence • making navigating the aged care system simpler. Below: residents listen to Helen Carmichael from the Eastern Collaborative Project
The reforms will also include a new regulatory framework to protect the safety of older people in our community. The new Support At Home Program will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the Home Care Packages Program (HCP), and Short-Term Restoratives Care (STRC), however, no one will lose any supports they currently have through CHSP, HCP or STRC during this transition. More information can be found at https://www. health.gov.au/initiatives- and-programs/aged-care- reforms.
Need help or support with the current system? Contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on http://opan.org.au/ .../support-for.../ your-aged-care-rights/ or phone 1800 700 600 . To get help from an advocate at Aged Rights Advocacy Service visit them via their website or phone: (08) 8232 5377 or 1800 700 600 (toll-free in Australia).
Housing Choices SA facilitate our free coffee morning with a guest speaker on the first Friday of every month. For more information, about upcoming coffee morning sessions, please contact the Inclusive Communities Team on 1300 314 447 .
6
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease