Conclusion: Budget focus puts elderly at risk

THE risks were dire to frail residents when aged care providers prioritise budget outcomes over the quality of care, a final address to a royal commission hearing has concluded.

In his closing remarks to the week-long Hobart hearing yesterday, counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Peter Rozen QC, said costcutting initiatives had adversely impacted on the experiences of vulnerable people and their families.

Mr Rozen said measures such as not replacing staff members when they called in sick were focused on the bottom line rather than what was best for residents.

A revolving door in management positions at Bupa South Hobart and Launceston’s Glenara Lakes created a “cause and effect” scenario, he told the commission.

High levels of staff turnover and disaffection also impacted on service delivery, he said. Mr Rozen said the commission had heard about deficiencies in complaints handling and a system which did not properly report audit findings to those who needed to know.

“We must have an aged care system in which organisations have the governance, leadership, culture and skills to ensure the high quality and safe care becomes not just a stated vision but the daily practice of all involved in caring for older Australians,’’ he concluded. “This is what our elderly citizens deserve.”

Southern Cross Care and Bupa were the two aged care providers to be scrutinised by the royal commission as part of the Tasmanian hearing.