The election outcome will undoubtedly have a considerable impact on aged care in Australia.

However, when considering the recent Royal Commission into aged care, election promises for the elderly from the parties are still failing to spark joy for many.

Following a tragically high number of deaths in aged care facilities during the COVID pandemic, the importance of the Federal Government understanding and investment in aged care has never been more pressing.

But what are the parties promising?

Liberals

The Liberals have promised to increase the number of Home Care packages to 275,000. However, when reflecting on the lack of funding, their election promises fail to spark much joy.

The budget cannot meet the demands of the aged care system and overcome challenges faced by a critical staff shortage combined with an aging population.

Instead, investments in innovative technology should be prioritised. Only when the current workforce is armed with innovate tools will the industry receive the boost of productivity it desperately needs.

Labor

A promised $2.5 billion overhaul of the sector includes requiring a registered nurse to be on site 24 hours a day. In addition, Labor plans to mandate that every Australian living in aged care receives a minimum of 215 minutes of care per day, as recommended by the royal commission into the sector.

These promises cannot be achieved without addressing the critical staffing shortage. Injecting cash without a plan to innovate will not solve the aged care crisis.

Greens

The Greens have promised to invest $260 million into aged care with the goal of home care package wait times being reduced to less than 30 days.

However, without a clear plan to address the critical workforce shortage, the increased packages will not be fulfilled, and care will not be given to those who need it. Technology is the key to bridging this gap but won’t be available without a significant investment in innovation.

A smart solution

Innovative technology is the way in which we will overcome the shortcomings of party promises. A modernised system which couples humans with technology will inject a boost of productivity the industry needs, while addressing key issues faced by the aged care providers.

To discuss how technology can be used to innovate your services contact InteliCare.