Articles

The findings of the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care[2] have shed light again on the astonishing amount of abuse that occurs in residential facilities in Australia. Some providers are subjecting residents in their care to poor nutrition, unlawful restraint, and neglect have been revealed as common experiences in homes which have been reported by the Commissioners.

This article is Part 1 of a series written by ALARM volunteers regarding residential aged care agreements (ACRA).

A recurring theme emerging from the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care (‘Royal Commission’) is understaffing and lack of proper training with respect to employees in Aged Care facilities throughout Australia.

Australia has one of the highest rates of its population living in residential aged care of any country in the world. Over 6% of Australian residents aged 65 or over live in residential aged care facilities, the second-highest in the OECD after Lithuania.

Recipients of aged care services have the right to lodge a complaint and raise concerns about the information, service or care rendered by providers.

The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care (“Royal Commission”) brought many uncomfortable truths about Australia’s aged care system into public consciousness. One is difficulties older Australians and aged care residents currently experience in accessing the care they need; another is securing access to justice when their rights are infringed.

A nutritious diet is a fundamental aspect of health and wellbeing. Several factors contribute to the poor nutrition of aged care residents.

Since 1997, there have been 18 Government investigations into the failing Aged Care system. These reports have failed to alter a status quo of abuse and neglect because they have not led to meaningful reform, this is a pattern of wilful blindness.