A dire situation is unfolding for older Australians, with a shocking number facing an agonizing wait for aged care assessments. Peter O'Shannessy's story is a tragic example of this crisis. After a grueling throat cancer surgery, Peter, 74, was approved for a level-three home care package, which promised vital support. However, his family was devastated to learn that they would have to wait in a queue of over 121,000 people, with an estimated wait time of seven to nine months.
But here's where it gets controversial... As Peter's health deteriorated, with cancer returning and urgent nursing care needed, the family was advised to seek a reassessment. Eloise Randall, Peter's daughter, describes the heart-wrenching struggle: "Dad's needs were increasing rapidly. We needed personal care assistance and nursing, but the wait times were unbearable."
The government's decision to partially privatize the aged care assessment system has led to a complex web of contracted companies, with over a dozen organizations now involved. The previous system, Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT), had been in place for 40 years, but in December last year, the government made a costly change, spending over $1.2 billion on privatization.
And this is the part most people miss... The latest figures reveal that over 116,000 people are currently waiting for aged care assessments across the country. Families like Eloise's are at their breaking point, spending hours on the phone, pleading for support. Eloise describes the agonizing wait: "Aspire4Life, the organization responsible for our reassessment, gave us a date eight weeks away. I warned them repeatedly that Peter wouldn't make it, and sadly, I was right."
Peter's story is a tragic example of the system's failures. He passed away four weeks before his urgent reassessment, leaving his family devastated and his final wishes unfulfilled. Eloise, through tears, shares the harrowing last moments: "Dad was suffering, feeling like he was drowning. My mum, exhausted and alone, had to deal with a catastrophic bleed. Within minutes, he was gone."
The government's response to these long wait times is a matter of contention. While a spokesperson for the Aged Care Minister claims a median wait time of 23 days, families and workers paint a different picture. They describe a desperate situation, with some waiting nine or ten months for an assessment, and many ending up in hospitals or nursing homes due to a lack of support at home.
But here's the real kicker... The aged care royal commission, which reported in 2021, recommended a streamlined single assessment scheme but did not advocate for privatization. It emphasized the importance of assessors being independent from approved providers to avoid conflicts of interest. However, the ABC has revealed that more than half of the contracted companies are also service providers or related entities, raising concerns about potential biases.
In a statement, the government claims to have robust arrangements to prevent conflicts and can terminate contracts if needed. However, the tender document's KPIs, including a requirement for 90% of urgent assessments to be completed within 10 days, are not being enforced for at least 12 months, according to the department's admission at Senate Estimates.
The situation is dire, and the consequences are devastating. Peter's family continues to grieve, fearing for others without family support. Eloise's words echo the desperation: "I despair for vulnerable elderly Australians. The system is too complex, and the wait times are unbearable. Dad's final wish was to speak again, but we couldn't even get that for him."
This crisis demands our attention and action. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the government's approach is adequate, or is there a better way to ensure older Australians receive the care they deserve?
