One of Maribyrnong’s leading aged-care providers could be forced to cut critical dementia-care programs and specialist staff after the federal government’s decision to axe a supplement.
Doutta Galla Aged Services, which operates residential aged-care homes in Footscray and Yarraville, faces a shortfall of $800,000 over the next year, with the dementia and severe behaviours supplement ending on July 31.
Doutta Galla chairman Bruce Mildenhall said the not-for-profit organisation delivers specialised dementia care, including music and pet therapy, to nearly 30 per cent of its 500 residents.
“This is a shameful attack on vital health services to the most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.
“The funding supplement was specifically designed to fund services to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.
“It’s essential to support the investment Doutta Galla had made in specialised dementia support units, trained staff and programs which assist our residents and their families to live well with the often devastating effects of dementia.”
Dementia has been identified as one of Australia’s leading health problems. More than 1700 people are diagnosed each week.
“It’s as if, having underestimated demand for services and not put a sufficient budget in place, the federal government believes that if it ignores the issue, it will go away,” Mr Mildenhall said.
“It’s like funding medical research and not funding hospitals.”
Dorothy Reading, whose 94-year-old mother has dementia and is a resident at Doutta Galla’s Footscray aged care home, said she was in shock.
“How can the government possibly defend a decision like this?” she said.
“Having a family member with dementia is painful enough, but to withdraw funding is extraordinary and totally illogical.”
Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield blamed the former Labor government, claiming the budget for the supplement had blown out from $11.7 million to $110 million.
He said 25,451 people were receiving the benefit, more than 10 times the original estimate.
“If continued, the $16-a-day supplement would have cost the government $780 million over four years, rather than $52 million, and [more than] $1.5 billion over 10 years.
“Discussions were held with the aged- care sector committee – including the peak advocacy groups representing for-profit and not-for-profit aged-care facilities and other experts – and consultation with the sector is already taking place on an alternative.
“Funding continues to be available for residential care providers to support the care needs of residents, including care needs associated with dementia.’’
