Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The Commissions final recommendations became publicly available on 1 March 2021 at https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/final-report-recommendations.pdf

Early Days

During the period 18 to 22 March 2019 the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (established October 2018) conducted public hearings inquiring into the  experiences of people seeking or receiving aged care services in their home, or their family members.The final report is due February 2021.

Wide ranging concerns associated with home-care packages featured prominently in responses. While the primary focus is on aged care the implications of what is being learnt have wider significance.

Multiple Sclerosis Issues

On 17 March 2019 the Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care Australia (the Network) provided the Commission with a submission (including improvement suggestions) regarding issues associated with implementing consumer directed care for Senior Australians living with Multiple Sclerosis who may require home based care assistance.

The Commission’s terms of reference include inquiring into any incidental matter that [the Commissioners] believe is reasonably relevant to the inquiry. Consistent with this requirement the Network's submission also referenced what is being learnt regarding the impact of cardiovascular disorders on  MS progression. 

A copy of the Network's submission is at:
http://www.msnetwork.org/advocacy/royal-commission-agedcare.pdf

Outcomes

The Commissioners provided an interim report on 31 October 2019 (a disturbing must read), with a final report on 28 February 2021. Access the interim report  at

https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/Pages/interim-report.aspx

For further information also see 
https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx