This audit assessed the Department of Health and Ageing’s implementation and ongoing management of the Aged Care Complaints Scheme and the effectiveness of their complaint management systems in supporting service delivery and regulatory outcomes.
The Australian Government subsidises residential aged care places to assist with the cost of care and accommodation services for eligible older Australians. As at 30 June 2010, there were approximately 183 000 government funded residential places, provided at a cost of $7.3 billion, or approximately $40 000 per recipient. Almost one in four persons aged 85 years and over is in a residential care facility. The importance of residential aged care is increasing rapidly, with the number of persons aged 85 years and over estimated to increase by 120 per cent over the 20 years to 2030.