The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has launched its first ever Consumers and Families Panel to better understand what's important to aged care recipients, carers and those expecting to receive care in the next 12 months.
Panel members will be invited to share ideas and opinions about issues of most concern to people receiving care, how the Commission can reach people better, how people can be better supported to interact with the Commission and videos or other resources prepared by the Commission.
Panel members will be able to engage in different ways, including by email or telephone,or by taking part in online or in-person meetings.
"People receiving aged care, and their experience of that care, are central to the Commission's purpose - ensuring their wellbeing underpins all of our efforts," said Commissioner, Janet Anderson.
"They must be front and centre of everything aged care providers do, and also in the work of the Commission, placing the needs of those receiving care at the forefront at all times.
"It is very important that the panel is as diverse as the people who use Australian Government funded aged care," Ms Anderson said.
"We are inviting anyone living in residential aged care or receiving home care or using Commonwealth-funded aged care services in the community to share their ideas and opinions with us. We're also interested in hearing from family members and carers of aged care recipients, and people who are considering using aged care services within the next 12 months."
The Panel will help the Commission in its work overseeing the quality of aged care services and resolving complaints about these services.
"It will improve the way we regulate aged care services and resolve complaints and help make sure that the information we produce is fit for purpose and easy to understand for everyone," said Ms Anderson.
Chief executive of the Older Persons Advocacy Network, Craig Gear, welcomed the Commission's new Panel.
"Older people must be consulted at every step of the aged care journey to ensure their rights, needs and preferences are being met," he said.
"The Consumers and Families Panel will enable older people and their families to better engage with, and inform, the aged care regulator. Their lived experience is critical to ensuring all older people receive the care and services they deserve."
People wishing to be part of the Commission's Consumers and Families Panel can register their interest at the Commission's website www.agedcarequality.gov.au/consumer-panel or call the Commission on 1800- 951-822.
Closing date for expressions of interest is August 12.
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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
