Page 3112 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 15 September 1993
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The inquiry focused on the concern that some older Canberrans, who were not eligible for public housing and not able to afford the more expensive private accommodation being developed, had no option but to stay in housing that was either not appropriate or not adequate to meet their needs. The committee was particularly keen to address this perceived gap in the provision of aged accommodation. To this end the committee examined a wide range of options, including remaining in the family home. The option of remaining in the family home continues to be the most favoured accommodation for aged persons in the ACT, with about one-half of all people aged over 60 years continuing to live in their own home.
The committee examined a range of options in pursuit of innovative and creative approaches to accommodating our aged citizens. These included dual occupancy, Housing Trust accommodation, self-care and independent living units, hostels, nursing homes, hospital accommodation and the Abbeyfield concept. The Abbeyfield concept is of particular interest. In Canberra it involves a house built by the ACT Housing Trust and located at Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie. The house provides accommodation for 10 people with a live-in housekeeper. Residents pay a weekly contribution to cover board and lodging. The attraction of this concept relates in part to the companionship and supportive home-like environment which is available to those not able to remain in a home of their own. The committee also examined the support services delivered under the home and community care program, services provided by ACT Health, and services provided by the ACT Council on the Ageing.
As a result of its inquiry the Standing Committee on Social Policy made 26 recommendations and tabled its report in the Assembly in December 1992. The Government is pleased to be able to agree to the great majority of the committee's recommendations and has already put in place a number of measures for dealing with the issues raised by the recommendations of the inquiry. For example, consistent with the thrust of the committee's recommendations, my Government already ensures that all Cabinet submissions take into account the principles of social justice and that, in particular, they take into consideration the impact of policies, programs, services and proposed legislation on groups such as the aged who may experience disadvantage.
Over recent years there has been increasing emphasis on active ageing. The Government has continued to encourage the development of a positive attitude to ageing, not only amongst the aged but amongst the community in general. Such an approach emphasises the opportunities which exist to harness the skills and the energies of an ageing population. Consistent with the recommendations of the committee's report, my Government places a high priority on preventative health measures and active ageing through its Community Nursing Service, which provides a range of services and group activities for older people focusing on the promotion of health and well-being. Furthermore, the Government is currently developing a healthy ageing policy through a community consultative process. This policy will include strategies which focus on preventative health measures for our senior citizens.
Appropriate accommodation for the aged is a high priority. We acknowledge that the joint venture approach to providing aged accommodation identified by the Social Policy Committee is an innovative solution which assists in providing accommodation for those who are not eligible for public housing and yet cannot afford to purchase accommodation which is
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