Royal Commission Update - July

Royal Commission hearings continued in both Broome and Perth recently with witnesses called to cover a diverse range of topics.

At the Broome hearing (June 17 to 19) the hearing discussed the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the aged care industry, with a focus on aged care in remote areas.

It also discussed barriers to accessing aged care in remote areas and the challenges of maintaining a skilled and culturally appropriate workforce.

Direct evidence was heard about how aged care services are being delivered at various remote locations throughout Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

Cultural safety and respect was also in the spotlight when Professor Leon Flicker (Professor of Geriatric Medicine at UWA) spoke about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are often reluctant to take up care and may refuse care where the care provided is not ‘culturally safe’.

The Perth hearing (June 24 to 28) looked at how aged care services can be provided in a person-centred way and the role of advance care planning to support the provision of quality aged care services.

It also looked at the extent to which people accessing aged care services are able to access palliative care; and the quality of palliative care services.

Key themes that emerged from the hearing included; how social attitudes inform the delivery of aged care; the importance of relationships in delivering person-centred care; and the importance of organisational leadership.

Dr Kay Patterson AO (Aged Discrimination Commissioner) spoke about what she called the ‘scourge of elder abuse and ageism’ that we see in our community. And the need for education to create a deep change in community attitudes. 

The Commission also heard evidence about the importance of people having choice and control in how they live and the care that they receive. 

The next hearings are taking place this week (July 8 to 12) in Darwin and then in Cairns from July 15 to 17.

Hall & Prior welcomes the Royal Commission and believes it will lead to long-term sustainable improvements for the aged care sector.

If you would like any information regarding the Royal Commission or Hall & Prior’s submission, please email royalcommissionenquiries@hallprior.com.au