In recent days, our CE Miranda Starke has been interviewed on talkback radio advocating for older South Australians around issues relating to access to healthcare, housing and cost-of-living.

Miranda was interviewed on ABC Radio Adelaide’s Drive program on Friday by Nikolai Beilharz about older South Australians who are stranded for many months in hospital as they are unable to find an aged care place or access the supports they need to return home. She spoke alongside the SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP and acknowledged that finding solutions to support “stranded patients” is complex.

“This is a significant issue and has become a ‘wicked problem’ that state and federal governments have not yet been able to resolve” she said. “We acknowledge the innovative strategies that SA Health is pursuing to prevent or reduce long hospital stays for older people in incredibly challenging times for the health and aged care sectors. We know there is a shortage of aged care places particularly for people with dementia, and South Australians are waiting longer to get the support they need at home for home care packages.” Miranda says. COTA SA will continue to work with Government to share insights and advocate for person-centred approaches. Meanwhile, COTA SA’s Care Finder program can be a good starting point if you or someone you know needs help to navigate the complex aged care system.

On Monday, Miranda spoke to Graeme Goodings on FIVEaa Mornings about the Grattan Institute’s recent Report which indicated that a $2bn boost to federal rent assistance is needed to ensure older renters have access to secure and affordable housing. Listen to the podcast here (Miranda is speaking at approximately 25 minutes in)

“The report echoed what we hear from older South Australians. We know that more older people than ever before are renting or retiring with a mortgage, and cost-of-living is the number one concern for older people in South Australia as it is around the country. Rental access and affordability is a big cause of stress.”

On Tuesday Miranda spoke to Stacey Lee on Afternoons with Stacey Lee (starting at about 52 minutes in) about healthcare and concerns with access and affordability. "What we hear is that the two most important issues for older South Australians right now are cost of living and access to health services so anything that is going to increase access to doctors, medical, keeping people healthy and well is what people are after", Miranda said.

Miranda closed with highlighting that "our focus at COTA is on the older person so, on that note, it's about what can be done at every level of government to make it easier for older South Australians to access the healthcare they need"

“We will continue to be focused on the impacts of these issues on older South Australians.”