Media release 23 Sep: More help needed to address Aged Care challenges

More help needed to address Aged Care challenges.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy has spoken in State Parliament of the challenges being faced across NSW, including in the Albury electorate, at the interface that exists between aged care and acute/hospital care.

Mr Clancy made the comments during Dementia Action Week, in the wake of new figures revealing an estimated 1730 people are currently living with dementia in the Albury electorate. Dementia Australia figures predict that figure will rise by an alarming 78% over the next 3 decades.

“Dementia is a condition that I have seen first-hand in my extended family and appreciate the toll it takes on not just the individual, but their loved ones as well. It’s not a normal part of ageing, but many of us are touched by it daily,” Mr Clancy said.

The 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report projected over the next four decades advances in health care and medicine will see us all living longer. It states:  

“Our ageing population will increase demand for both specialist and basic health services. Rising costs, the prevalence of dementia, and the higher support needs associated with ageing create challenges for health service delivery, particularly for people over 80 years of age.” 

  As our population ages, an increasing number of unwell elderly people are in our hospitals, waiting for aged and disability care beds. In July, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park revealed at the time the figure was almost 12-hundred people, with 7 hundred waiting well past their discharge date. 

Mr Clancy said workforce shortages are impacting residential aged care facilities, resulting in some beds being left empty to comply with staffing ratios, while a growing number of GPs are choosing not to accept new aged care patients. Both issues are having a significant impact on the demand being experienced in our hospitals.

 “It is important we see information sharing between the Commonwealth and the states improved. Greater transparency and awareness about patient flow and bed availability would also provide a much better experience for our elderly and their loved ones.

Mr Clancy shared to Parliament, the recent experience of Albury couple Elizabeth and Russell Simpson, after 85-year-old Russell, who has Parkinson’s Disease, was rushed to hospital from aged care.

“Elizabeth reached out to my office, concerned about the breakdown in communication, after the difficult decision was made to commence end of life care in hospital. However, that choice and his related medication requirements, were not shared with aged care nor his GP on discharge from hospital, resulting in even more upset and stress.

“At such fragile times, ensuring the highest level of care, dignity and respect is provided to patients like Russell, is of the utmost importance.”

“It is vital our older residents have easily understood, streamlined information on healthy ageing, along with timely access to in-home care and support, and when the time is right, quality residential aged care options that are close to home,” Mr Clancy said.