I’ve also seen how much quality care matters – especially to the individual and their families.
Older Australians raised families, ran businesses and farms, and built the communities that help our region thrive. They deserve to age with dignity, respect and confidence that care will be there when and where they need it.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care exposed heartbreaking failures in the very system that was designed to care for them. It showed that aged care must be centred on the rights, dignity, safety and choices of older people.
That’s why I supported the new Aged Care Act. The reforms put greater emphasis on the rights of older Australians and strengthened protections and accountability.
But for many people in Benalla, aged care comes down to something practical: can you get the care you need, close to home?
The new Support at Home program is designed to help more older Australians live independently, providing services including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing and allied health.
Late last year, after months of pressure from myself and others on the crossbench, the Government finally released 20,000 additional Home Care Packages.
But in regional communities, there simply aren’t enough providers or workers to meet demand.
Families can find themselves waiting longer, travelling further, or struggling to find care that meets their needs.
And while Benalla is fortunate to have dedicated local providers, including Cooinda and Estia Health, providers still face challenges attracting and retaining the skilled workers needed to deliver services.
For people who need residential care, we also need safe, high-quality homes where residents are treated with dignity and have genuine choice and control.
And older Australians and their families shouldn’t have to navigate the system alone.
If you’re having trouble understanding your rights, accessing care or resolving an issue, the Older Persons Advocacy Network provides free, independent and confidential advocacy and advice.
As your independent representative, I’ll continue advocating for the investment our regional aged care providers need and practical reforms that ensure older Australians can access quality care, regardless of where they live.
Older Australians gave so much to our country. They deserve to age with dignity, respect and quality care in return.
– Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines.
