Shadow Minister for Ageing, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, will attend an aged care forum in Swan Hill on Tuesday May 7, 2013.
Senator Fierravanti-Wells will be joined by Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie and local aged care providers, residents, GP’s, carers and family members at the forum. Senator McKenzie said that aged care providers and carers from across the region had been invited to attend.
“The forum will allow members of the local community to have their ideas and concerns regarding aged care heard. It will also provide details into the Coalition’s plans for ageing and aged care should we win government at the next election.
According to recent findings by Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), care facilities could face a revenue black hole of $750 million in the next two and half years as a result of federal funding changes. Results also showed that on average aged care facilities can expect to lose more than $125,000 each year.
“There are more than 200 small providers with 60 beds or less operating in regional Victoria that would be at risk if these changes go ahead. This would be devastating for the residents and family of residents who live in small aged care facilities. People have a right to age in the community of their choice, and close to their family base. This may be impossible under the new legislation,” Senator McKenzie said.
Shadow Minister for Ageing, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said she was looking forward to visiting Swan Hill and discussing the proposed changes with residents.
“I want to hear first hand from Swan Hill locals what challenges their community faces when dealing with aged care, and what help they need to look after their ageing loved ones,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
Aged care providers – unlike most businesses – cannot increase aged care fees as they are set by the Federal Government, so any hikes in running costs cannot be simply passed on to the consumer.
“The Federal Government’s inept policies could result in cuts to staffing and other resources for aged care services in Swan Hill,” Senator McKenzie said.
What: Ageing and Aged Care forum
Where: John Forrest’s electorate office. 60 Campbell Street Swan Hill.
When: 12 pm – 1 pm Tuesday May 7, 2013.