Caring for Older Australians report released

The Productivity Commission has this week released the final report, Caring for Older Australians, where options for further structural reform of the aged care system have been detailed in order to meet future aged-care challenges.  In particular the report:

• examines the social, clinical and institutional aspects of aged care in Australia
• addresses the interests of special needs groups
• develops regulatory and funding options for residential and community aged care
• examines the future workforce requirements of the aged care sector
• recommends a path for transitioning from the current regulatory arrangements to a new system that ensures continuity of care and allows the sector time to adjust
• examines whether the regulation of retirement specific living options should be aligned more closely with the rest of the aged care sector
• assesses the fiscal implications of any change in aged care roles and responsibilities.

You can read some expert response to the report in the latest online issue of The Conversation.