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Calls for Allied Health Needs Assessment and Funding in Aged Care by July 2024

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, The Health Industry

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has welcomed the Australian Aged Care Collaboration’s (AACC) call for the introduction of allied health funding for aged care residents, but would like to see the funding earlier.  

“It is very pleasing that the AACC, which represents 70% of residential aged care services in Australia, supports the allied health sector, including physiotherapy,” APA National President Scott Willis said. 

“The AACC’s call to introduce an allied health assessment tool and funding is exactly what is needed; it is very welcome and great support.” 

The AACC election statement calls on all political parties to commit to putting in place an allied health needs assessment and funding model by July 2024. 

“We understand it takes time to build a new system but would like to see dedicated allied health funding earlier. The future of physiotherapy jobs in the sector is under a cloud as a result of uncertainty about Federal Government plans for funding them after October this year, when a new funding mechanism is scheduled to be introduced,” Mr Willis said. 

“Without action to address the shortfall in funding for allied health including physiotherapy expected after October, there is a risk that older people in residential aged care may miss out on critical healthcare services. 

“Physiotherapists help manage chronic disease, maintain mental and physical health and wellness, and improve the quality of life of older people in residential aged care. 

“Older people in residential aged care have very complex care needs and have the right to receive the healthcare that they need, and that they choose, such as physiotherapy that will help them maintain their quality of life,” Mr Willis said. 

The APA has long advised government that the current aged care funding model is flawed, and that its replacement, the Australian National Aged Care Classification, does not provide for clinical care planning, nor for associated allied health funding needs arising from that planning. 

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recognised a “lack of access to critical allied health services such as physiotherapy” in residential aged care and recommended the government ensure this was rectified. 

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has stated that occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists are all highly trained allied health professionals who provide essential services to aged care residents to improve functional ability and prevent functional decline. 

OTA states that occupational therapists are trained to provide both physical and mental health therapy, chronic disease management, assessments for assistive technology, and the assessment of environmental and safety risks. They enable aged care residents to participate in meaningful activities of everyday life, providing them with an enhanced sense of identity, greater purpose and improved wellbeing.  

OTA also states that the current restrictions of the government’s funding model severely prohibit occupational therapy services in residential aged care, effectively denying residents the ability to live a meaningful and purposeful existence. 

The Australian Aged Care Collaboration is a group of six aged care peak bodies: Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA), Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and UnitingCare Australia. 

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