For many years the NDIS and aged care services have provided quality support empowering Australians to live an independent and fulfilling life. However, in more recent times, the level of support has changed, impacting participants, their families, and their carers.
Gaps have opened between the participants who receive NDIS support and those who don’t. Millions of Australians with disabilities are not getting help. In fact, only 12 per cent of the 4.4 million needing care are now eligible for the NDIS.
Aged care has experienced a similar decline. As of April this year, only 32,310 home care packages had been released out of a promised 80,000. More than 62,000 people were still on the waitlist, with wait times estimated up to nine months.
However, the 2022 election outcome may offer some hope for the NDIS and aged care. The new federal government has committed to making sweeping changes to both programs. So, what can we expect and how will this improve the lives of those who need care?
Issues to be addressed
Under the previous government, funding cuts were made to NDIS packages. Many participants and families were affected, being left without vital services. Many incurred significant out of pocket expenses to access the care they need.
More tragically, some families were forced to give up their children because they couldn’t manage without support.
But the issues don’t stop there, and they extend to aged care too. According to the ALP, fraudulent service providers, staff shortages and excessive legal fees in appeals are just the tip of the iceberg.
Changes planned for NDIS
In a commitment to improving the NDIS, the federal government has outlined the following changes.
Better funding – increase funding for advocacy and changes to improve disability access housing and support.
Better planning – streamline planning processes and appeals so NDIS decision-making is more efficient, fair, and investment focused.
Staffing improvements – address staffing shortfalls, increase overall staffing numbers and reduce external hires. Employ more people with disability at senior levels and on the board to be the voice of participants.
Stopping waste – reduce the number of external lawyers and consultants used and reduce service provider fraud.
Justifying cuts to plans – introduce an expert review process to sort out disagreements and cuts. This should reduce the number of people who are forced to take the government to tribunal.
Regional service improvements – increase the number and availability of providers to deliver services to NDIS participants in regional areas and remote areas of Australia.
Collaboration – co-design plans and initiatives with people with disability, incorporating input.
Reporting and reviewing – review and publish data so the scheme is fully monitored, evaluated, and interrogated. Any gaps highlighted will be addressed.
Changes planned for aged care
In a commitment to improving aged care, the federal government has outlined the following changes.
Registered nurses on site 24/7– increase staffing levels for around the clock care in all aged care facilities, reducing the necessity, cost and stress associated with trips to hospital Emergency Departments.
Increased care time – increase staffing numbers and mandate that aged care residents receive an average of 215 minutes of care per day to cover essential and basic needs.
Increased pay – Increase pay for workers to support them and subsequently raise the standards of care.
Better food– implement mandatory nutrition standards so that all residents of aged care homes have good food.
Increased reporting– implement stricter reporting rules for providers, and greater penalties for covering up abuse.
While it’s still too early to see if these changes will happen, they certainly offer hope. Any improvement to aged care and NDIS support is a win for participants, carers, and Australia overall.
Author – Unidex Healthcare
