Submission on the 2024 Progress Report on Implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission Recommendations
FECCA’s submission to the Inspector-General of Aged Care’s progress report on the implementation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s recommendations. FECCA focuses on improving access and equity for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older Australians, highlighting the need for tailored support through community-based models like the EnCOMPASS program. The submission underscores systemic challenges, including inadequate cultural competency in aged care, insufficient access to language support, and disparities in assessment and service delivery. FECCA emphasises the importance of culturally appropriate care and comprehensive training for aged care workers to ensure equitable and inclusive reforms.
FECCA makes critique of the Care Finder program for its limited effectiveness in engaging CALD populations and points to gaps in data collection and program evaluation that overlook the experiences of diverse communities. Recommendations include strengthening the Aged Care Diversity Framework, making cultural competency training mandatory, evaluating the single assessment process, and improving data collection on CALD older persons. These measures aim to address systemic barriers and ensure that aged care reforms effectively meet the needs of Australia’s multicultural ageing population.
