Aging Australians face a long wait for aged care assessments, with a growing backlog of over 116,000 people waiting for support. This issue has been exacerbated by the recent privatization of the assessment system, which was intended to streamline the process. However, the privatization has led to concerns about the quality of assessments and the pressure on assessors to complete them quickly.
Peter O'Shannessy's story highlights the tragic consequences of this backlog. After returning home from the hospital, he was approved for a level-three home care package, which would have provided essential support. However, due to the long wait times, he was declared terminal before receiving any help. This case raises questions about the effectiveness of the privatization and the potential impact on vulnerable elderly Australians.
The aged care royal commission recommended a streamlining of assessments, but not privatization. It also emphasized the importance of independence from approved providers to avoid conflicts of interest. Despite this, the government has contracted companies that are also service providers or related entities, raising concerns about potential conflicts.
The pressure on assessors is evident in the stories of Janine Mason and Coral Wilkinson. Assessors are under pressure to complete assessments quickly, which can lead to dehumanized practices. The government's KPIs, such as the requirement for 90% of urgent assessments to be done within 10 days, may be too ambitious and not feasible in practice.
The impact of this backlog is devastating for families, who often have to navigate a complex and bureaucratic system. Peter's family, for example, spent hours on the phone and faced a traumatic final months of his life. They fear for vulnerable elderly Australians who may not have the same support and resources.
The government's response to the backlog has been criticized as inadequate. The median wait time for assessments is 23 days, and the government's focus on reducing wait times may not address the underlying issues. The privatization of the assessment system has led to a complex and potentially flawed system, which requires careful monitoring and reform to ensure the well-being of vulnerable elderly Australians.
