The royal commission into aged care has opened a priceless window for reform. A Grattan Institute report says this requires more funding, local accountability, and a louder voice for older Australians.
Super-spreader events typically have the ‘three Vs" in common: indoor venues, poor ventilation and vocalisation. But many buildings frequented by the public lack ventilation or the means to monitor it.
If Australia created more age-friendly neighbourhoods — which really are more liveable for everyone — then we wouldn’t have to rely so heavily on underfunded, substandard aged-care homes.
Thanks to review upon review, we have plenty of evidence about the problems in aged care. But federal governments have shown ‘a lack of willingness to commit to change’.
The free market experiment in residential aged care is failing older Australians. Rebuilding trust in the system starts with valuing residents’ rights, and holding government and providers to account.
The aged care royal commission’s recent report on COVID-19 recommended accredited infection prevention and control experts be sent into residential aged care. Here’s what that means.
University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Assistant Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics.
Federal Health Department Secretary Brendan Murphy has admitted some COVID deaths in aged care might have been prevented if there had been a quicker public health response.
The premier said Melbourne’s restrictions could be eased more than expected on Monday. But from an outbreak-management perspective, we should be careful of easing too soon.
If you became suddenly unwell, would your family or health team know your wishes? Here’s why advance care planning should be part of Australia’s strategic response to COVID-19.
The government continues to pledge funds for the aged-care sector in the face of COVID-19. But this is damage control rather than what we actually need — a co-ordinated, evidence-based national plan.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne