Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, (pictured above) has paid tribute to the hundreds of aged care workers in bushfire affected communities for their tireless efforts in keeping elderly Australians safe.
Travelling through some of the hardest hit regions in southern New South Wales Minister Colbeck thanked the many aged care staff, some of whom chose to stay at work ensuring their residents were cared for, despite their own homes being threatened.
“It is a remarkable and humbling effort” he said, adding that the same nursing home staff are continuing to provide essential care for their residents as the long process of recovery begins.
More than 750 residents were evacuated from aged care homes as the fires threatened townships.
Private operator Bupa safely evacuated 200 residents from its aged care homes in Eden (on the NSW South Coast, NSW, pictured), Tumut (in the NSW Riverina) and Eastwood/Bairnsdale (in East Gippsland, Victoria) to other Bupa aged care homes and alternative accommodation before moving them back again.
The Minister said the Government was actively engaging with aged care providers and assessment teams to ensure senior Australians continued to receive the care they need.
“I am very aware of the challenges facing some providers and the government will continue to work with them to ensure residents receive appropriate care not only during a crisis but in the days, weeks and months following,” Minister Colbeck said.
For updated information and advice aged care residents and their families in areas affected by fires can call My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422 (Freecall).
