AMA calls for urgent action for aged care residents
Coinciding with the Aged Care Week conference in Sydney, we published our new position statement on medical care for people in residential aged care homes this week.
The statement calls for significant reform and funding to put an end to Australians living in residential aged care being unable to access timely and coordinated healthcare. Systematic failings in the aged care system mean that aged care residents are being deprived access to regular GP care.
This is not acceptable. Aged care residents deserve access to high-quality, coordinated medical care that reflects their individual needs, goals, and preferences.
GPs often know their patients for many years and develop a knowledge of their medical history and understanding of their care needs. The current fragmented nature of the aged care system means that there is a breakdown in that relationship once patients enter an aged-care setting.
Ensuring residents can access regular and planned GP visits benefits patients. This would change the current crisis-driven care approach, which is ineffectual and detrimental for patients. The current approach also creates problems in the wider healthcare system, including ambulance ramping through unnecessary visits to public hospitals.
We are calling for investment in integrated care models, fair funding, modern digital infrastructure, and sustainable workforce strategies so aged care residents receive high-quality care.
Our position statement outlines the principles, enablers, and reforms needed to support GPs in delivering optimal care to aged care residents, aligned with the new Aged Care Act and broader health system priorities.
