All older people in Australia should enjoy the same high standards of care. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many older people who experience deep and persistent disadvantage. This category of deep and persistent disadvantage describes any older person suffering from the effects of poverty, trauma and/or social isolation, homelessness, and anyone with reduced capacity to live independently or without informal support/s from family, friends or carers.
We estimate that there are over 18,000 older people in Australia experiencing this type of disadvantage who cannot readily access aged care or who are not welcome in many services. These older people have much to offer, but they also have special aged care needs stemming from a lifetime of disadvantage.
This is a joint submission from a group of providers, advocates and researchers committed to supporting all older people to live their best lives and age with dignity and respect. We make recommendations to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to address deep and persistent disadvantage among older people accessing aged care.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."