The MyAgedCare gateway has been the subject of complaints by residents, families and their doctors since it was launched in July 2014.
Last year research by the Department of Health and Healthdirect Australia found only 29 per cent of carers were “very likely” to recommend the gateway (9 or 10 out of 10) – much lower than the number of residents (52 per cent).
24 per cent felt it was ‘very difficult’ for consumers to ‘get the services they need’.
Now the Federal Government has started to fix the problem.
Updates to benefit everyone
They’ve announced changes that will make it simpler for people to appoint someone to speak on their behalf to MAC and under what circumstances – ideal for those who may have speech or cognitive problems or speak English as a second language.
This includes a new streamlined form to appoint a representative and more flexibility for people in who they can choose to appoint such as a friend or carer.
People who can’t speak to MAC over the phone and don’t have a representative can also now be referred by a third party directly for an assessment.
If that referral is made by a GP, the GP will be able to follow up on their patient’s progress by calling the contact centre – allowing for better continuity of care and ensuring that our most vulnerable don’t fall through the cracks.
Find out more about navigating the aged care system here at agedcare101.com.au.
