More needs to be done to incentivise the aged care industry in the Limestone Coast region and make it more appealing, says Shadow Minister for Ageing Penny Pratt.
Ms Pratt says as the population in the regional towns continues to grow, with that must come an expansion of services, including aged care.
“Statistics show that South Australia has an ageing population, particularly across regional SA as farmers plan for retirement as the next generation takes over, they are looking for housing options in the closest townships. Naracoorte is no different,” Ms Pratt said.
She said the Federal Labor government had mandated that by July 1, 2023, all residential aged care facilities will employ a registered nurse 24/7, however, it is widely understood that many operators will fail to meet that target due to workforce shortages.
Ms Pratt said this was an area that needed urgent attention.
“I have spent time visiting staff at the Naracoorte Hospital and adjacent nursing home to observe what is working well and what improvements are required.
“More and more people want to age well at home or be assured that their quality of life will be enhanced in aged care facilities.”
A member of the Legislative Council, Ben Hood, says the regional towns needed supportive infrastructure for their ageing population.
Mr Hood has supported calls by Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross for aged care service providers to open centres in Naracoorte and its surrounding towns.
“I support the calls made by Mayor Ross and encourage aged care providers to look to our regions.
With an ageing population, it is vital we have the infrastructure for our senior community members to live comfortably and receive the support they deserve,” Mr Hood said.
He said senior residents moving out to other towns and cities in search of better aged care services was a huge loss for the region.
“Our senior residents have been the volunteers, healthcare workers, farmers, and businesspeople who have made enormous contributions to our community, and it would be a great loss for our region if they had to move away because of inadequate aged care infrastructure and support.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
