COTA Victoria will host a consumer information session about the Royal Commission (RC) into Aged Care Quality and Safety next Friday, 8 February, for people wanting to know more about the inquiry and how they can participate.
COTA Vic’s information session will run from 11am-1pm on Friday, 8 February, at Level 12, Victoria University, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Please note the venue does have wheelchair access. The venue is located close to Flinders St train station and tram stops.
The Royal Commission was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last October after 5000 submissions were received from aged care consumers, families, carers, aged care workers, health professionals and providers about the terms of reference for the inquiry.
Prime Minister Morrison said the government funding for aged care is at record levels. In 2017-18, alone, aged care spending is estimated to reach $18.6 billion. Over the next five years funding is estimated to grow by $5 billion to $23.6 billion.
The Royal Commission will primarily look at the quality of care provided in residential and home aged care to senior Australians, but also include young Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care settings.
The information session will include:
- the roles of different organisations involved in the RC, including COTA, Elder Rights Advocacy and the Consumer Action Legal Centre;
- an overview of the Royal Commission and its purpose;
- how consumers can share their story and/or make an immediate complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission set up to protect the well-being and quality of life for people receiving funded aged care
- how people can gain support.
COTA Vic CEO Ronda Held said hearings to the RC had started in Adelaide, with the dates for Victoria yet to be announced.
“We value the life journey of older people, which includes those members of our communities who connect with aged care services. We’re hoping for generational change to the system as a result of this inquiry, because everyone has the right to age safely, with dignity and respect,” Ms Held said.
To register for the information session go to COTA Vic Royal Commission session.
