Every month we round up some of the most important and interesting topics in aged care on Twitter. With the federal election wrapping up in July, politics and the budget were still very much in the spotlight.
Demand in Hospital Services
One of the most widely accepted reasons for the increased pressure on our health system is the growing ageing population. Statistics have shown that over the 2014-15 period, hospital admissions doubled for people aged over 85.
Despite this data, older people are not the sole contributors to the increased demand in health care services, and there are many factors as to why the ageing population are driving the demand. The article published by The Conversation also points out that the debate should move away from a negative attitude towards the ageing populations needs. Instead, it suggests that a better system is created, that can adapt to the growing population.
Data says older patients not just cause of growth in demand for hospital services @ConversationEDU https://t.co/YbxW6dQHfv #agedcare
— IRTgroup (@IRTgroup) July 21, 2016
National Aged Care Awards
In late July, 14 finalists were announced for the 2016 National Aged Care Awards. These awards include the three categories of Team Innovation, Outstanding Organisation, and Individual Distinction. All recognise the finalists outstanding contribution in improving the quality of life for older people throughout the country.
Finalists Announced for the 2016 National Aged Care Awards https://t.co/d3WgzqD5Px #agedcare #HESTAAgedCareAwards pic.twitter.com/XJ5TeDnsNM — Aged Care Online (@Aged_CareOnline) July 20, 2016
Cabinet Reshuffle
When Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull won this year’s election, he promised that there would be no major changes to his existing ministry in the cabinet reshuffle. Despite this, many were still hoping for a new minister position specifically appointed for aged care. No such position was announced, so Sussan Ley will instead be continuing in her current role as Minister for Health Sport and Aged Care.
Cabinet #reshuffle announced, disappointed there’s no minister for #AgedCare, no minister for #Housing https://t.co/zzPFLS1rOs #auspol
— CPSA (@CPSANSW) July 18, 2016
The Ageing Population
Check out this interesting infographic by 2020 Aged Care, which looks at how the ageing population is growing and developing over time.
The #agedcare puzzle#ageingpopulation pic.twitter.com/yDyJmyWaRh — 2020 Aged Care (@2020agedcare) July 19, 2016
Pressure to Reverse Cuts
With the federal election over, aged care advocates are putting pressure on independent MP’s to help reverse the $1.2 billion worth of cuts to aged care that were announced in this years budget. Without Labor’s support in an alternative plan, hope now lies with cross-benchers such as Senators Jackie Lambie, Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie having the potential power to block cuts.
Pressure builds to reverse aged care cuts https://t.co/DXqpeHRLaw #ACSANational #agedcare
— ACSA National (@ACSANational) July 17, 2016
Government on Notice over Need for Aged Care Reforms
The cuts to aged care are still very much in the spotlight this month, with key stakeholders calling for further reforms and for the Turnbull government to release the modelling behind the aged care funding changes from this year’s budget. Paul Sadler, president of ACSA, also called on both sides of politics to commit to the aged care roadmap that was published earlier this year.
Government ‘on notice’ over need for #agedcare reform says @COTAAustralia @anmfbetterhands & @ACSANational #auspol https://t.co/ry8qexKH8i — Aust Ageing Agenda (@AustAgeAgenda) July 15, 2016
