Laurieton Lakeside Aged Care Residence director of nursing Julianne McKenzie says it's disappointing there was a lack of government attention given to aged care funding during the federal election.
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Staff from the aged care centre took part in the Aged Care National Day of Action on Tuesday, May 14.
The day was aimed at ensuring the voices of 1.3 million elderly Australians receiving aged care support, 1.5 million family members and carers and the 366,000 dedicated aged care employees were heard.
The centre was operating at a loss in January, February and March 2019.
"The good facilities like Laurieton that have maintained staff quality and numbers have been the worst affected," Ms McKenzie said.
"While it is acknowledged that overall funding to aged care has increased by over $1 billion a year, the more important statistic is nationally over $3 billion has been removed from existing residents (like the residents at Laurieton) over the last four years.
"At the same time operating costs have escalated above Consumer Price Index (CPI).
"More than half of all regional and remote residential aged care facilities will be operating at a loss next financial year".
"This is not sustainable."
Ms McKenzie said there is an unacceptable impact on older Australians in relation to waiting for home care packages or not receiving the ones they require.
"This requires immediate action," she said.
The Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said aged care is among the highest priorities.
"Since 2013 when I was elected, federal funding for aged care in our electorate has increased from $90-million a year to over $135-million," he said.
"This is set to increase considerably over the coming years.
"Recently I announced Laurieton Lakeside had been successful in it application for 32 additional aged care places.
"This multi-million dollar investment by our government in the Camden Haven is certainly needed and I look forward to Laurieton Lakeside Residence tolling out these new places in the future.
"Our aged care nurses and support staff do a magnificent job in looking after our elderly and I want to see them continue to supported in the important role they play."