The development of this position paper on aged care workforce, funding and governance was led by AAG's Ageing, Workforce and Education Special Interest Group (AWESIG).
In this paper, AAG states that the Government has a responsibility to act as a system steward and ensure taxpayer-funded aged care services are underpinned by evidence-based policy with a human-rights rather than a market-based foundation. Aged care, health and social care should be available to all Australians. In order for this to be achieved, funding and information barriers that are currently preventing primary-, secondary- and tertiary health, aged care, and social service systems from integrating effectively to meet the needs of older Australians must be removed.
AAG believes all Australians need to invest in current and future aged care requirements now and supports funding options (in addition to general revenue) that relate to public funding schemes with funds that are reserved for aged care specifically where everyone contributes according to their level of wealth. In addition, there is a need to review how income and assets (including, for example, the value of any property) are considered when determining any aged care co-contributions by service users of all aged care programs.
AAG members call for Government funds for aged care services, including assessment of eligibility, funding and needs, being provided on a no-profit basis. That is, funds should be used solely and entirely for the purpose intended. Other income-generating activities of businesses could be profited from (e.g. voluntary contributions or additional services purchased by clients) but must be delineated from Government-funded services and clearly documented in client agreements.
There must be appropriate funding and systems to ensure the inclusion of skilled health and allied health professionals in aged care needs assessments, case management, and support provision across all aged care settings and programs. Within aged care, holistic, multidisciplinary aged care underpinned by workforce planning, including minimum staffing levels and appropriate skills mixes is needed.