The Australian aged care system is failing its elderly citizens, leaving them in a desperate wait for support. But the story of Peter O'Shannessy, a 74-year-old cancer patient, reveals a shocking reality that raises questions about the system's effectiveness and compassion.
A Long Wait for Support:
Peter's journey began with a challenging recovery from throat cancer surgery, leaving him unable to speak or eat. After being assessed, he was approved for a level-three home care package, which included essential equipment and personal care. However, the family's relief was short-lived as they discovered a staggering wait time.
The family was informed they had joined a national queue of 121,000 people, with an estimated wait of seven to nine months for the much-needed care package. This delay is a stark contrast to the urgent need for support, especially as Peter's condition worsened.
The Race Against Time:
As Peter's health deteriorated, his family was advised to seek a reassessment, hoping for faster assistance. Eloise Randall, Peter's daughter, described the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for personal care and nursing. But the reassessment process was not without its challenges.
The family was referred to Aspire4Life, one of the companies contracted by the federal government to conduct aged care assessments. This shift from the previous system, where assessments were done by state-based teams, raises concerns about the impact of privatization.
Controversial Privatization:
In December, the government privatized part of the aged care assessment system, costing over $1.2 billion. This decision has led to a growing waitlist, with over 116,000 people now awaiting assessments. Eloise's experience highlights the emotional toll, as she spent hours pleading for support, only to be given an eight-week wait for reassessment.
A System Under Pressure:
Former assessors like Janine Mason shed light on the pressure to conduct assessments quickly, potentially compromising the quality of care. A concerning practice involves elderly individuals being dropped from the waiting list if they don't respond to phone calls promptly, often without their knowledge.
The Royal Commission's Recommendations:
Interestingly, the aged care royal commission in 2021 recommended streamlining assessments but didn't endorse privatization. It also suggested that assessments be conducted by independent parties to avoid conflicts of interest. However, the ABC reveals that over half of the contracted assessment companies are also service providers or related entities.
Government Response:
The government disputes the long wait times, stating a median wait of 23 days. They plan to reduce wait times further, but a recent Senate Estimates admission reveals a 12-month leniency period for companies to meet key performance indicators (KPIs).
The Human Cost:
Peter's tragic story concludes with his passing four weeks before the reassessment. His final days were marked by suffering and fear, while his family endured exhaustion and burnout. This case exemplifies the emotional toll of a system that seems to be failing those it should protect.
The Bigger Picture:
The O'Shannessy family's experience raises concerns about the fate of other elderly Australians without family support. Eloise's words echo the struggle of navigating a complex system, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the help they desperately need.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the privatization of aged care assessments a step towards efficiency or a compromise on quality and compassion? Are the government's actions enough to address the growing waitlists and ensure fair access to care? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's explore the complexities of this critical issue.
