AgedCareConversations

Today I released a new Alzheimer’s Australia report on feedback received from older Australians, their families and carers through the national conversation on aged care reform.

Across all 16 consultations, the overwhelming view of older Australians is that the aged care system is simply not meeting the needs of dementia sufferers and their families.

As Australians, we enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world but we need to make sure that those extra years are years of quality.

Tackling dementia will be a key consideration in the Government’s assessment of the Productivity Commission report.

You can read my media release and the full report through the links below.

Media release on Alzheimer’s Australia Report

Alzheimer’s Australia Report April 2012

I will be meeting seniors in Wollongong and Alice Springs in the coming weeks. I hope to see you there.

Tuesday 24 January, 2PM-4PM, Wollongong

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

32 Burelli St, Wollongong, NSW 2500

RSVP to conversationwol@cota.org.au or 1800 182 324

Wednesday 1 February 2012, 1PM-3PM, Alice Springs

Crowne Plaze Hotel

82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs, NT, 0870

RSVP to conversationasp@cotasa.org.au or 1800 182 324

Receiving the report from EPSA Chair, Everald Compton and Professor Brian Howe

Today I received the second report from the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians.

The Panel (comprising Everald Compton, Professor Gill Lewin and Professor Brian Howe) is looking at how we can make the most of the opportunities presented by a larger and more active community of older Australians.

The Panel has identified four key areas where Australia needs to take a fresh approach: healthy living, housing, participation and lifelong learning.

Together, they’ve completed consultations in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Armidale, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and will soon be holding consultations in Canberra.

A copy of the report can be found here.

The first leg of a series of forums for Queensland will take place this week, in Brisbane.

20 October

12PM-2PM

Acacia Ridge Hotel
1385 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge, Queensland.

The audience at Grovedale Community Centre in Victoria.

Talking with Ballarat seniors

I’m in Victoria this week and I’ve had the opportunity to meet seniors in Grovedale, Ballarat and Melbourne.

There continues to be a strong focus on quality of care. Older Australians and their families want to be assured that they’re getting good quality care.

The overwhelming message I’m taking home is that older Australians want to stay living in their home independently as long as possible, and if possible for the rest of their lives.