Brotherhood Comment November 2003

ISSN 1320 8632A REGULAR UPDATE FROM SOCIAL ACTION AND RESEARCHNovember2003In their own homesChallenges of caring for low-income older AustraliansHealth and aged care services culture that that they were community infrastructure so thatare attracting increased attention comfortable with and that had older Australians can live in theiras governments consider the enabled them to live independently own homes and communities asimpacts of the ageing of the for many years, often in spite of they age. Disappointingly, it doesAustralian population. In 2002, poor health, dislocation and not acknowledge that some low-The Myer Foundation released addiction. They resisted HACC income older people live in insecure2020: A vision for aged care in services especially because of the and sub-standard accommodation.Australia, which paints a picture requirement to prove incapacity Supporting increasingly frail olderof the aged care system that is to a service provider in order to people with complex care needs thought to be necessary to meet qualify for services. Unfortunately, to remain living in the communitydemand for services by 2020 there was little incentive for service is not realistic, unless their housingand includes a five-point plan to providers to address this issue, as situation is addressed. Suitableachieve this vision. Of particular demand already exceeded supply. accommodation for marginalisedinterest to the Brotherhood of older people is a pre-requisite ...