Sooner or later, most of us will have to consider an aged care home, either for ourselves or our loved ones – but what are Australian seniors really looking for in a provider?
A year on from the Royal Commission, National Seniors has released a comprehensive report detailing results of a survey on what we’re looking for as we get older – and apparently, we want a place that feels like home, complete with home-style cooking.
According to National Seniors Chief Executive and Director of Research Professor John McCallum, the Royal Commission – and the associated media coverage – have had a big impact on older Australians’ views on aged care.
“Many of those people who responded are worried they will suffer the same neglect and abuse they have heard and read about in evidence tabled at the Royal Commission.
“However, they say one way to combat this fear is for more smaller, community-minded facilities with home-like features,” he said.
Respondents also said lack of easy-to-understand and easy-to-navigate information was a big hindrance when choosing an aged care home, with some decrying the prevalence of “lawyer-speak” and saying they can’t get the answers they need unless they ask exactly the right questions.
“The term ‘one-stop shop’ was a common theme among respondents who have found the current system confusing and opaque,” said Prof. McCallum.
In the report, National Seniors says five key needs will help older Aussies get the information, guidance and help they require to choose a home that’s right for them:
- Information about specific facilities
- Effective communication
- Guidance to improve navigating the aged care system
- Professional services to protect the welfare of care seekers
- More public communication on aged care planning
