Aged care watchdog spells out improvements for older Australians

COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow, said it will be important to see the Commission improve the way it currently functions, but also take the necessary steps to ensure it is ready to operate under a new Aged Care Act based on human rights.

“There’s no question that we need to see culture change in the watchdog, and the sector more generally, to ensure rights are upheld across the entire aged care system.

“The review rightly identifies the need for a significant focus on improving the complaints system so that older people and their families are heard in a timely way, that the process addresses the actual complaint that has been raised, and that providers are held accountable when breaches have occurred.

“We look forward to seeing the new Act legislate a statutory Complaints Commissioner, with the appropriate regulatory powers. These powers should include conciliation pathways and an open disclosure framework. COTA Australia will actively engage with the Government on why this is important to older people and their families.”