Hume residents who have concerns about the welfare of anyone in an aged care facility can contact the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner.

The Government is finalising the terms of reference for the recently announced Royal Commission into the aged care sector. However, it is expected the inquiry will cover:

• The quality of care provided to older Australians, and the extent of substandard care;
• The challenge of providing care to Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care, particularly younger people with disabilities;
• The challenge of supporting the increasing number of Australians suffering dementia and addressing their care needs as they age;
• The future challenges and opportunities for delivering aged care services in the context of changing demographics, including in remote, rural and regional Australia;
• Any other matters that the Royal Commission considers necessary.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the community expected very high standards for the quality and safety of aged care services.

“Incidents of older people being hurt by failures of care simply cannot be explained or excused,” Mr Taylor said.

“Evidence to date shows that the problems are not restricted to any one part of the aged care sector, whether it is for profit or not for profit, large or small facilities, regional or major metropolitan. The Royal Commission will look at the sector as a whole, without bias or prejudice. It will make findings on the evidence.

“We expect that all residents will be able to be engaged as the Royal Commission commences.”

For anyone with immediate concerns about a relative or friend in an aged care facility please contact the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner on 1800 550 552 or you can lodge a complaint with the Commissioner online. Complaints can be made completely anonymously.

Mr Taylor said it was also important to acknowledge the many hundreds of operators, facilities, care providers, nursing and other clinical staff, volunteers, cleaners, cooks and therapists in Hume who were working every day to improve the lives of senior Australians.