Aged Care
OTA are actively working towards a better Aged Care sector that supports our profession to deliver the high quality, specialised services our older population want and need. We represent the profession through the significant reforms underway, including making submissions, sitting on advisory groups, liaising with stakeholders and drawing on members’ experiences and expertise to raise issues and concerns.
Member Priorities
- Opportunities to work under evidence-based, client-centred models that focus on reablement and positive aging.
- More specialist aged care services that address the complex health needs of our growing ageing population.
- Aged care settings and programs that can attract and retain OTs, who provide vital care and support to our aging population.
- OTs are experiencing reduced work satisfaction due to inconsistent pay rates and funding systems that limit the scope of their practice.
Our Advocacy
A New Aged Care Act – OTA made submissions on the Draft Aged Care Act, and met with MPs and Senators to advocate on the issues we identified. We continue to advocate for the OT profession as the Aged Care Rules that will guide the delivery of aged care services are released.
Aged Care Regulation - OTA lodged a submission to The Department of Health and Aged Care on the new model for regulating aged care. OTA raised its concerns about the worker registration scheme, and that it should not become an unnecessary burden on health professionals such as occupational therapists that already have comprehensive regulatory requirements.
Aged Care Assessment and Needs Identification - A new single assessment workforce and new aged care assessment tool came into effect in 2024. OTA has met with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss the work underway to implement the Integrated Assessment Tool and the next stages of this work as Support at Home commences in 2025. OTA has been calling for an effective needs identification tool for people entering residential aged care to ensure people receive the services they need.
How you can help
We welcome feedback about your experience working in aged care and your ideas about how these services can be improved.
We will take your feedback to the government and key stakeholders to advocate for better outcomes for OTs, and the people you support.
