The Federal Government’s decision to expand clinical care supports to include showering, dressing and continence management, corrects a problem that should never have existed, says Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia.

COTA Australia Acting CEO, Corey Irlam, welcomed the decision saying it reflects what COTA Australia, and older people have been calling for since before the program started.

“This morning’s announcement is a welcome step. Basic care like showering should never have been treated as an optional extra in aged care,” Mr Irlam said.

“Returning crucial supports like showering and dressing into clinical care, where they are fully Government funded, is a welcome ‘win’ for older people.

“It removes the price tag anxiety many older people have raised with their MPs and puts the focus back on the person and the care they need.”

Mr Irlam said COTA Australia was disappointed older people would still be footing the bill until October but was pleased that Ministers Rae and Butler listened to the concerns of older people and their families.

“As a member of the Aged Care Taskforce and at every opportunity since, we’ve called for showering to be recognised as part of clinical support, just like in hospital,” Mr Irlam said.

“We thank Ministers Butler and Rae for acting on what they’ve heard from older people. This will make a real difference to older Australians who’ve had to choose whether they could afford a shower."

Read COTA Australia's full statement here.

If you or someone you know needs help navigating the Aged Care system, call COTA SA on 08 8232 0422 and our friendly team will be happy to assist with trusted, free and independent information.