April 2012 bentley park resident newsletter Across My Desk CEO’s Report
SwanCare Group wishes you a safe and happy Easter. The SwanCare Group Administration Office will be closed on Good Friday 6th April and Easter Monday 9th April.
Aged Care Reform and the Federal Budget
using aged care services than we do now - around 3.5 million! This also means an additional 500,000 workers for this sector.
With only one month to go until the Federal Government sits down to deliver up its budget for 2012/13, I thought I would take the opportunity in this month’s Tidings to devote part of my column to the on-going saga and challenges that our Aged Care sector is facing. We are all aware that the Productivity Commission review into the plight of the Aged Care system has recommended sweeping changes that if adopted by the Government will bring about a positive change to the foundations that underpin our system, and will help to provide a sustainable Aged Care sector that will service all future Australians. The uncertain element is whether or not the Government, with its own underlying issues and competing interests, will place Aged Care high enough in the pecking order to warrant the attention that it truly should receive in this years budget.
Australia is not prepared for this growth in demand. Our current system is complicated, inconsistent and under pressure.
SwanCare Group has been part of a long term national campaign called Australians Deserve to Age Well. The campaign’s goal to bring the issues of Aged Care to the attention of the Government. We are getting very close to the moment when we will know if our efforts have been noticed, but we still have a few weeks to go, and we cannot stop the campaigning when we are so close to the finishing line. So what is all the campaigning actually about. It is essentially about the fact that Australia has an ageing population - but what does this actually mean? Well, by 2050 we will have three times as many people
Security Number If the Resident Support Services number is unavailable residents are reminded the mobile contact number for Security is:
0413 388 650
We know the challenges and frustrations that many Australians and their families face now in trying to navigate the aged care sector and get the support and services they need.
recommended comprehensive reforms to the aged care sector to provide a system which is more simple, fair, affordable and equitable for all Australians. The reforms put people’s needs front and centre. Australians Deserve to Age Well campaign calls on the Government to implement these reforms. We need your help to let the Government know that all Australians deserve to age well. Help spread the word – check out the website and join the campaign yourself, and encourage your friends and family to do so as well. Remember, we are talking about the future of ageing for all Australians, everybody deserves the right to age well.
Safety and Security Rebates
On the website agewellcampaign.com.au you will see stories from older Australians, their children, carers and aged care workers about their experience. If you wish you can share your story too! The Federal Government needs to take action now or many Australians will be affected. The Productivity Commission has
Bentley Park Social Club Sunday Afternoon Concert - 8th April
During the month I received advice from our good friend and supporter Ben Wyatt MLA, letting me know that the Safety and Security rebate program to holders of a WA Seniors Card was being extended. Originally the program was to expire on the 31st March, 2012, the Minister for Seniors Robyn McSweeny has yet to release the new cut-off date, but the extension is certainly welcomed news. The rebate entitles eligible seniors to $200.00 towards the cost of the purchase and/or installation of home security devices such as smoke alarms, security screens, deadlocks etc … Should residents require more information on this scheme or require an application form please contact Karen Parker at Administration who will be more than pleased to assist you in this matter. Continued Page 3
Inside this issue > Bentley Park News - pg 3 Bentley Park Social Club - pg 4 Residents Advisory Council - pg 4 Archives - pg 5 Club News - pg 10&11