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.
Scott Morrison is finding, to his great discomfort, the royal commissioners probing aged care aren’t keeping their thoughts to themselves until their final report in February.
Residential disability care faces many of the same challenges as aged care. Paying close attention to these could help us avert a COVID-19 crisis in Victoria’s disability accommodation.
The government has become an easy scapegoat as the pandemic has worsened. While blame can alleviate stress, grief and guilt, it can also be counterproductive if people trust less in their leaders.
As the crisis in Victorian aged-care homes goes on, the issue of whether to move all COVID-positive residents into hospital continues to generate debate. There are pros and cons for both sides.
The question of whether the public should know the details of victorian aged-care facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks was today raised before a senate committee
Medical assistance teams are a group of experienced health workers sent to handle a medical or humanitarian crisis, including from today, the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria’s aged care.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has voiced frustration at workers who don’t stay home despite having COVID-19 symptoms. But the problem is linked to growing workforce casualisation and use of labour hire.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care declared older people and their families were left “isolated and powerless”. COVID-19 has provided a tragic real-time vindication of the commission’s observation.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne