A new national campaign aimed at ensuring aged care is a priority in the upcoming 2021 Budget has been launched by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). 

The campaign ‘It’s Not Too Much’, which includes the need for laws that mandate safe, staff ratios in every nursing home, 24/7 is asking its members and Australians to help influence the Morrison government implement these changes so as to stop the suffering and neglect of elderly nursing home residents.

The campaign is also using mobile billboards will also circulate across the electorates of five of our key politicians: the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

The ANMF’s recommendations for immediate action are:

• Mandate staffing ratios in nursing homes;
• Legislated requirements for clinical governance, leadership and expertise in aged care;
• Legislated transparency and accountability for taxpayer funding for aged care providers;
• Guaranteeing workforce capacity and capability;
• Registration for unregulated aged care workers.

Acting ANMF Federal Secretary, Lori-Anne Sharp, said that aged care residents and those who care for them need the Morrison government to act.

“Surely, it’s not too much to ask that residents receive basic care they need and deserve, in their later years of life. But, as the Royal Commission found, older Australians living in nursing homes are suffering because of dangerously low staffing levels in many private aged care homes- and that must change.”

Ms Sharp said that every day the Morrison government delays taking action to address chronic understaffing in nursing homes, is another day that residents will continue to suffer.

“And another day that staff, (majority of whom are women) continue to be overworked and undervalued. We must address this crisis immediately and mandate safe staffing ratios,” she said.

“When additional funding is allocated to aged care in the 2021 Budget in response to the Royal Commission recommendations, the Morrison government must ensure that for-profit providers are using additional taxpayer funds for its intended purposes – providing additional staff with the right skills mix so that they can deliver the care that elderly residents deserve.”

To help elderly Australians in aged care live a quality life they deserve, participate in the campaign by donating a little of your time to spread the ANMF’s message.

Head to www.itsnottoomuch.com for more information.