From the Monday to Thursday 13 August, the Commissioners will be looking into the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in aged care.
In particular, the Commission says it will look at how aged care home including Newmarch House, Dorothy Henderson Lodge and Opal Care Bankstown responded to the crisis, and what more could have been done to support them.
“The focus of the inquiry will be upon the lessons that can be learnt for responding to future pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks. The purpose of the inquiry is not to find fault or apportion blame,” the Commissioners emphasise.
This hearing will include:
- the role and responsibilities of State, Territory and Federal governments in responding to such crises in aged care services
- what should be done and by whom in the future to support the aged care sector to respond to pandemics, infectious disease outbreaks or other emergencies
- the balance between managing risks posed by a future pandemic or infectious disease outbreak and maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of aged care recipients including their mental health and quality of life
- the measures taken by the health and aged care sectors to respond to the pandemic including transporting infected residents to hospital
- the impact of those measures on older Australians receiving aged care services, their families and their carers
- challenges faced by the aged care sector including those relating to management, workforce and access to personal protective equipment
- any other related matters.
The remaining afternoon of Thursday 13 August, and Friday 14 August, will be dedicated to the issue of aged care accommodation, including:
- appropriate building and design standards for aged care delivery
- physical design and models of residential aged care, including ‘small home models’ and dementia-friendly design
- access to secure housing for aged care delivery
- incentivising movement to alternative accommodation for the provision of aged care services
- innovative accommodation models for ageing in place and interaction with aged care supports.
To find out more, click here.
