More money for preventative and rehabilitation care in aged care is needed according to the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
The organisation has called on the federal government to introduce an additional layer of funding to complement new residential aged care funding.
"We know that mobility is a key indicator of life expectancy and quality of life in residential aged care," APA National President Scott Willis said.
"There will be tragic consequences if aged care residents were denied access to critical care that could prolong their lives as a result of political inaction.
"The new resident aged care funding model does not specifically fund falls-prevention programs and rehabilitation - meaning either aged care providers fund them out of their profits or residents will go without."
The APA said research has shown that investment in falls prevention programs would be offset by an estimated $120 million in savings from avoidable surgeries.
The aged care royal commission recommended aged care residents should receive care, such as physiotherapy, to keep them mobile, prevent life-threatening falls and help them recover from injury and illness.
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Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
