As promised, the new Labor Government has wasted no time in introducing its bumper aged care reforms before Parliament, including 24/7 nursing and new star ratings for residential care homes.
On the first full business day this Wednesday, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells brought the Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 and the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022 before the House of Representatives.
The Implementing Care Reform Bill implements round-the-clock registered nurse requirements for aged care homes, as well as increased information transparency and a cap on home care fees.
“This Implementing Care Reform Bill will put nurses back into nursing homes; it will put a stop to high administration and management fees for home care, which means more dollars go to care and support; and it will improve integrity and accountability for residential aged care homes,” said Ms Wells.
Meanwhile, the Royal Commission Response Bill brings a raft of changes, including TripAdvisor-style star ratings, which will rate aged care homes from one to five stars based on four key factors:
- The five existing quality indicators (15%);
- Service compliance (30%);
- Consumer experience (33%); and
- Staff minutes (22%).
“Publishing Star Ratings for residential aged care homes will help people meaningfully compare services to make the right choice for themselves or their loved ones,” the Minister said.
Also included in the Royal Commission Response Bill are measures such as a Code of Conduct and new governance responsibilities for aged care providers, and transparency around refundable deposits and accommodation bonds.
“Restoring dignity, care, accountability and humanity back into aged care starts with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“Reforming aged care starts by listening. It starts by recognising that we are not the first government to be challenged to confront these issues.
“This isn’t the first parliament that has needed to take action on aged care. Too many parliaments, too many governments have shunned the hard work needed to support our aged-care system,” said Ms Wells.
Great news for aged care consumers and their families – and hopefully just the beginning.
