Only 15% of people aged between 60 and 80 have faith in Australia’s aged care system, according to a new report by agency Faster Horses – the same proportion as in 2018 and 2019.
The annual survey – which samples over 2,000 Australians and was commissioned by aged care providers – discovered two out of three people using an aged care service don’t trust it.
Just one-third (32%) had a high level of trust in their aged care services, while only 33% of those with a relative or loved one receiving aged care services has trust in the system – similar figures to the previous year.
Overall, just 22% said they trusted the aged care system.
The findings serve as confirmation of what many already knew – the sector has made some progress, but still has a way to go in regaining the trust of the community.
Report finds more positive view of aged care operators
There was some good news with Australians showing a more positive perception of aged care organisations.
Almost half (44%) agreed that organisations treat those in care with respect and consideration (up from 38% in 2019), and 43% said organisations show empathy towards those in their care (up from 38% in 2019).
But yet again, it is clear there is some work that needs to be done to improve both the sector and its public image.
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) CEO Sean Rooney said the latest report will help the sector deliver better services and care to older Australians.
“It underscores the need to get on with making the system better right now by addressing funding, transparency, workforce and community involvement issues, with the Aged Care Royal Commission’s final report due in February,” he said.
“Our nation needs to transform the aged care system so the community has confidence that people will receive the care they need, and the workers and organisations who care for them are enabled to deliver the best care and services possible.”
Community campaign needed to recognise value of aged care
Harder to fix is the community’s perception of aged care, which has struggled in recent years in the wake of the Oakden scandal, a Royal Commission and the impact of COVID.
The sector’s peak organisations – including LASA – have recently begun work on a campaign to counter these perceptions and demonstrate the value that aged care brings to the community.
It’s easy to forget among the negative headlines that there is a dedicated aged care workforce out there working to support our Mums and Dads, including through the current challenges of the pandemic – and ensure that they have both quality care and quality of life.
A push to recognise this value is long overdue.
