Officials shut down respite facility despite growing demands—here's why
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The need for support services has been growing with an aging population, providing essential relief for individuals and their caregivers.
These services are crucial in ensuring well-being and offering temporary assistance when needed.
However, recent changes have raised concerns, as the closure of a key facility has left many families uncertain about future care options.
The support offered at Burrangiri was described as 'fabulous' by Ms Ladyzhynsky, who emphasised the difference it made for her family, especially considering their work commitments and lack of nursing expertise.
'We would have had to work something out, but we're not nurses. It was much safer for her to be with people that could assist her safely,' she said.
'And of course, we're all working and everything…so it made a big difference.'
Despite the clear need for such services, the ACT government has made the 'difficult decision' to shut down the 15-bed facility come June.
The government cited the lack of Commonwealth funding and the need for significant renovations to the 35-year-old building as the primary reasons for its closure.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith pointed out that the building no longer meets modern standards, with issues such as having only two bathrooms and various electrical and safety concerns.
'This is a Commonwealth responsibility … once we step into that space, we get no Commonwealth funding at all,' she noted.
The decision has sparked a debate over funding responsibilities, with the ACT government asserting that the delivery of respite care should fall under federal jurisdiction.
This stance is based on the principle that once the territory steps in to provide such services, it receives no Commonwealth funding.
The federal government, on its part, has promised to work with the provider to ensure continuity of care for current residents.
The closure of Burrangiri is a significant blow to the community, as it follows a 'steady decline' in the availability of respite beds in Canberra over the past two years.
Carers ACT CEO Lisa Kelly has highlighted that the main issue is not a lack of workforce but rather the scarcity of physical facilities.
'Every day, we have to tell them it's not available. Every day we have to tell them on the dates they want it's not available.' she said.
The organisation receives daily calls from people desperately seeking respite care, only to be told that it's not available.
The need for purpose-built facilities that provide a homely environment for the elderly is more pressing than ever.
The territory and federal governments are being urged to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support an aging population, including adequate respite care services.
While the ACT government acknowledges the difficulty in finding respite care, it points to other services around the ACT and reforms of the federal aged care system, which are expected to bring more services online.
A jointly-funded program by Canberra Health Services and the federal government also provides spaces in residential aged care for those transitioning from hospital to home.
The future of the Burrangiri site remains uncertain, with the ACT government yet to decide on its long-term use.
However, Minister Stephen-Smith has hinted at a 'promising' future as a residential facility.
As for the staff affected by the closure, the minister expressed confidence in their ability to find work in the aged care sector, given the high demand for such roles.
This closure raises essential questions about the sustainability of aged care services and the responsibilities of different levels of government in ensuring that the elderly and their caregivers have access to the support they need.
It also underscores the importance of planning and investment in aged care infrastructure to meet the growing demands of an aging population.
Who should be responsible for funding and maintaining respite care—the state or federal government? What alternatives or investments are needed to improve access to respite care? Let us know in the comments below.
These services are crucial in ensuring well-being and offering temporary assistance when needed.
However, recent changes have raised concerns, as the closure of a key facility has left many families uncertain about future care options.
The support offered at Burrangiri was described as 'fabulous' by Ms Ladyzhynsky, who emphasised the difference it made for her family, especially considering their work commitments and lack of nursing expertise.
'We would have had to work something out, but we're not nurses. It was much safer for her to be with people that could assist her safely,' she said.
'And of course, we're all working and everything…so it made a big difference.'
A 15-bed aged care respite facility in Canberra's south is being shut down due to an outdated building and lack of Commonwealth funding. Credit: mapo / iStock
Despite the clear need for such services, the ACT government has made the 'difficult decision' to shut down the 15-bed facility come June.
The government cited the lack of Commonwealth funding and the need for significant renovations to the 35-year-old building as the primary reasons for its closure.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith pointed out that the building no longer meets modern standards, with issues such as having only two bathrooms and various electrical and safety concerns.
'This is a Commonwealth responsibility … once we step into that space, we get no Commonwealth funding at all,' she noted.
The decision has sparked a debate over funding responsibilities, with the ACT government asserting that the delivery of respite care should fall under federal jurisdiction.
This stance is based on the principle that once the territory steps in to provide such services, it receives no Commonwealth funding.
The federal government, on its part, has promised to work with the provider to ensure continuity of care for current residents.
The closure of Burrangiri is a significant blow to the community, as it follows a 'steady decline' in the availability of respite beds in Canberra over the past two years.
Carers ACT CEO Lisa Kelly has highlighted that the main issue is not a lack of workforce but rather the scarcity of physical facilities.
'Every day, we have to tell them it's not available. Every day we have to tell them on the dates they want it's not available.' she said.
The organisation receives daily calls from people desperately seeking respite care, only to be told that it's not available.
The need for purpose-built facilities that provide a homely environment for the elderly is more pressing than ever.
The territory and federal governments are being urged to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support an aging population, including adequate respite care services.
While the ACT government acknowledges the difficulty in finding respite care, it points to other services around the ACT and reforms of the federal aged care system, which are expected to bring more services online.
A jointly-funded program by Canberra Health Services and the federal government also provides spaces in residential aged care for those transitioning from hospital to home.
The future of the Burrangiri site remains uncertain, with the ACT government yet to decide on its long-term use.
However, Minister Stephen-Smith has hinted at a 'promising' future as a residential facility.
As for the staff affected by the closure, the minister expressed confidence in their ability to find work in the aged care sector, given the high demand for such roles.
This closure raises essential questions about the sustainability of aged care services and the responsibilities of different levels of government in ensuring that the elderly and their caregivers have access to the support they need.
It also underscores the importance of planning and investment in aged care infrastructure to meet the growing demands of an aging population.
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