’279,000 Australians Denied Care by 2050? Says Aged Care Body

Aged care body Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) has launched a new campaign ‘3 million reasons’ to highlight how many Australians could miss out on aged care services by 2050.

“If the workforce is not supported 279,000 Australians will be denied care by 2050” said Patrick Reid, CEO of LASA.

The campaign is titled ‘3 million reasons’ to represent the current three million Australians aged 65 and over.

Mr Reid said that by 2050 the age services workforce needs to triple and 83,000 new beds are required in the next nine years at the cost of $17 billion. “Both LASA and its members want to see age service workers properly recognised and renumerated for the quality care they provide and this is only possible if government funding matches the care older Australians need” said Mr Reid.

“While government funding is less than the care provided, providers often struggle to deliver the care that is required and to renumerate staff to the levels they deserve” he said.

Mr Reid said there was concern about the number of aged care workers who would soon be retiring, according to LASA, 36% of the workforce is within 10 years of retiring.

“Much has been said in relation to recruitment and retention, about valuing our workforce and in fact, growing it considerably. LASA knows a lot more needs to be done. Age services are the highest growth industry in Australia and yet it does not receive the funding, support and recognition it deserves” said Mr Reid.

“Age services are no different to other industries that provide community services and care. Teaching, nursing and childcare have long fought for greater funding in order to support and retain their workforces” he said.

To find out more about the campaign, visit the website www.3millionreasons.com.au

Aged Care Online proudly supports the 3 Million Reasons campaign.