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Lack of integration between disability and the aged care system

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Australia’s care system is designed to support those in the population who need it most. But when it comes to the integration of disability and aged care, there is a large gap that needs to be filled. 

Australia’s population is continuing to age, and with this, we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are becoming disabled. This makes it difficult for the elderly living with disability to receive the right care they need. 

What is aged care? 

Aged Care is referred to as government-led support for adults 65 years and older, who require help with daily tasks, healthcare and assistance in taking part in the community. 

What is disability care? 

Disability care is referred to as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is only available to participants aged 9 to 64 years old. The NDIS provides support to people who live with disability who are unable to complete daily tasks without assistance. 

However, once people turn 65, they are no longer eligible for NDIS support, even if they have complex needs that need to be catered for later in life. 

Problems with aged care and those living with disability. 

Elderly people living with disability don’t receive the quality of care they need. Aged care is not equipped to meet the support needs of people with disability. 

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that older people with disability in aged care don’t receive the same services as people with disability. This is due to them being ineligible to access the NDIS or similar access to disability support services. 

This has also become an increasing issue for Australians under the age of 65 who live with disability and require greater assistance. As their needs have increased, they find themselves in residential care that is not equipped to provide the support they need. 

 With inequitable access to disability services for the elderly, it becomes an increasingly concerning human rights issue. 

 Without the integration of aged care and disability services, we will continue to see elderly people with disability living a low quality of life. 

 More information: 

Available Resources

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