Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A new health system must not forget the aged and disabled

By Jo-an Partridge - posted Monday, 31 May 2004


To describe the Australian Health System as a “dog’s breakfast” is the understatement of the year. “Dysfunctional” would be more appropriate. Many patients, particularly the aged and disabled, may never receive the ultimate in health and welfare services because of a number of factors. Advocates for the aged and disabled seem to emphasise patients’ physical conditions and treatments, and funding for the continuance of the organisation, but forget that without financial security the quality of life may be less unsatisfactory.

Therefore, we have to make the best of what we have and ensure that the health cake is served equitably to all citizens.

  1. A truly National Health Service is vital for the wellbeing of the people, and should be patient-focussed, not provider focussed. It must be a universal service, which States and Territories must abide by – currently the service in Australia is fragmented with band aid measures being brought in by State Governments, very few of which are integrated with other States.
  2. The aim of any health service should be to provide an adequate service to all to ensure ongoing quality of life and equal recognition as people before the law.
  3. A universal system is the best type, e.g. with contributions from the Commonwealth Government, employers and the beneficiary (when the beneficiary is in employment). Special needs must also be met under a universal plan.
Advertisement

Existing Issues:

Medication:

Many people are allergic to orthodox prescribed drugs and need alternative medicines which are not obtainable under the PBS, often making them unaffordable.

Equipment:

The high cost of aids for the disabled is unrealistic for most people. The cost of a tilt chair is around $3000-4000, which is totally out of reach of most people. I went to a furniture shop and have had a chair custom-built for less than a third of the price. Admittedly it does not have a tilt facility but it does have a better lift and tilt than most domestic chairs.

Similarly, special shoes may cost anything from $400-500 a pair, however several companies have brought out a range of quality shoes and boots that have extra width and depth options, which apparently range from $130 - $200. Hopefully when these reach the shops it will stop the sort of comment I received from the assistant when trying to buy shoes in a well-known department store: “We don’t cater for your sort.”

To date it has cost me something in the region of $158,000 to remain mobile and have some quality of life and the expenditure is not finished yet as other equipment and modifications to the home have to be purchased and finished.

Restitution:

Almost daily we hear reports of persons who have legitimate claims against various public service and private organisations for mismanagement, wrong advice, faulty medical procedures, etc. where the cost of litigation often prevents any action being taken by the patient/client. Recently there was an instance where the patient had to pay the court costs.

Immunisation is a typical example; the person is advised by the government to have, for example, an AntiFlu Injection, which results in damaging long-lasting even permanent medical problems. Apart from general practice assistance there is no support being offered by the government to ensure that the victims’ quality of life is ensured.

Advertisement

Taxation:

Goods and Services in Australia are subject to GST but there are many anomalies that need to be addressed. For example, if you are an employed disabled person you can claim refunds for necessary items such as a vehicle, modifications to the vehicle, wheelchair, scooter, and other aids to improve your quality of life. However, if you are not employed you cannot reclaim the GST. Similarly, as a volunteer if you work on a computer, a vital piece of equipment, the full sales price is paid for each item required - even though volunteers are instrumental in saving the community millions of dollars a year.

Financial Assistance:

In Victoria, senior and disabled persons requiring financial aid have on average an eight-month wait before their case is even considered. One wonders whether the state government hopes that the ravages of time will overtake the application. I am fortunate to have assets from which I could draw a line of credit, others in my situation are not so lucky and what happens to them? Are they condemned to sitting at home, probably drugged so they are not a nuisance?

Information:

Lack of centralised information is an important issue. The Hi-tech info systems are often confusing for persons unfamiliar with the use of telephones and computers. To be confronted by a series of numbers is often too much for the caller with the result he/she is unable to resolve an issue of concern. Welfare workers are notorious for not returning calls. I, personally, am still waiting for a call in answer to an inquiry made eight weeks ago.

Vulnerability:

Recently, I was disgusted at yet another attack on our most vulnerable senior citizens by the Parliament of Victoria. The imposition of an additional $80.00 increase in vehicle registration for seniors shows how little regard this State has for its senior citizens. These citizens are the people who built the country, worked hard, paid their taxes on the understanding given by succeeding governments that they would be looked after in their retirement years.

Recently, the Australian Age Pension was increased by $11.40 per fortnight single rate ($296.40 per annum)and $19.20 per fortnight ($499.20 per annum) for a couple. This cost-of-living increase has now been eroded by the $80 increase and by a reduction of the benefits of the Pensioner Concession Card which thereby reduces the quality of life in retirement. Unlike their working colleagues these victims have no form of redress, until the ballot box.

The budget document addressed the issue of nursing homes by an injection of funding for upgrades, etc., however it has imposed increases in occupancy costs thereby placing a further burden on senior citizen and their families.

It would appear that the most vulnerable in society are to meet the shortfalls in government spending.

Expectations:

Perhaps we set our expectations too high, however a reasonable quality of life should be assured and measures such as taxation relief and benefits and provision of information can be of immense assistance to the seniors and disabled.

So, what price health? What do Australians really want?

Lifestyle 21st Century:

  • A home with all modcons.
  • Successful career path
  • A planned family
  • Full medical cover – private or government based
  • Insurance against ill-health and accidents
  • The right to quality of life in retirement.

These are the basic expectation of Australians.

So, what do we get?

On average, very little of the above, especially the more costly items, which were not available to the average Australian in the past. This then denies them the right to quality of life in their more senior years and worse if you happen to be disabled as well.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Jo-An Partridge is an elected Public Relations Chair for BPW International and Public Affairs Specialist for a number of other organisations. She is a former Marketing Executive to an international company in design and supply of air-sea rescue-equipment, ground –to-air missiles, and gunnery training equipment. She says she works harder in retirement as a volunteer than in the paid workforce.

Related Links
Feature: the genome of a new health system
Photo of Jo-an Partridge
Article Tools
Comment Comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy