The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has released the final report into the quality of residential and home aged care.

The Royal Commission was established on 8 October 2018 and the final report was delivered on 26 February 2021. There was also an interim report delivered on 31 October 2019 and a special report on COVID-19 and aged care on 1 October 2020.

The release of the final report signals the start of an important journey for Australia, with the aim of producing a higher quality, safer and more effective aged care system.

The Royal Commission looked at:

• the quality and safety of residential and in-home aged care for older people
• the quality and safety of care for young people with disabilities living in aged care homes
• how to best deliver aged care services
• how to give people more control and choice in relation to their care
• what the government and community can do to ensure quality and safety in aged care
• how to best deliver aged care services in a sustainable way
• the future challenges and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable and high quality aged care services
• the response to COVID-19 in aged care.

Within the final report is 148 wide-ranging recommendations for the fundamental reform of the aged care system. The recommendations can be summarised under the following three key themes:

1. A rights foundation for high quality aged care

The new system for aged care should be based on the protection and promotion of the rights of the people who require support and care. The rights of older people who are seeking or receiving aged care should be enshrined in legislation so as to leave no doubt about the importance placed on these rights.

2. Independence from Government

The aged care system has failed in the past. More than 20 independent report and enquiries over the last 20 years have had similar findings to the Royal Commission, however, there has been a failure to act. The Royal Commission recommends governance arrangements for the aged care system that are independent of Ministerial direction, and that involve an independent statutory body – the Australian Aged Care Commission – as system governor, administrator and regulator.

3. Secure funding

The aged care system needs a financing source that is as predictable, reliable, objective, and economically sound as possible, without compromising the quality and safety of aged care, or the equity of financing arrangements. Each person will contribute toward the financing of the aged care system through their working life, and having so contributed their right to assistance when required.

AFS work with a number of businesses across the health and aged care sectors. The recommendations of the Royal Commission into aged care are far reaching and will impact every organisation working in the aged care industry. We are committed to provide insights related to the changes and will continue to communicate those that may impact your organisation.

If you have any questions regarding the Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety, or would like further information regarding how we can help your business, please contact Katie Dempster on 03 5443 0344 or email afs@afsbendigo.com.au