No frills Budget leaves aged care in rags

"We are again deeply disappointed the Government has failed to address the very immediate funding issues confronting aged care services providers and therefore older Australians." ACSA CEO Greg Mundy said.

"As a result older Australians unable to access a bed in a residential aged care facility will be no better off under tonight's Budget. Older Australians who depend on community care to stay healthy and active are also losers as hours of care continue to decline.

"Even, accepting the constraints on this year's Budget, it is hard to understand how the Government imagines aged care providers will meet their budgets and the needs of the older people dependent on their support."

Mr Mundy said confirmation in the Budget of Government aged care initiatives including measures to improve transition care; assistance with staff training and new aged care beds/places was welcome.

"However, with the Productivity Commission inquiry into aged care 12 months away from completion and the implementation of any reforms even more distant, we have to ask what will happen to aged care services in the interim.

"The Government's commitment to once in a generation health care reform will have a hollow ring if action is not taken to sustain the aged care services now and to ensure viability of the sector to meet the needs of our ageing population.

"Aged care professionals need to be properly paid now. Providing enough care for people in their homes to help prevent unnecessary hospitalization needs to happen now.

"No frills is one thing ­ no real change is something else altogether."

ACSA is the national body representing not for profit, faith based and community organisations providing care and accommodation for older Australians.