(Australian Associated Press)

ROYAL COMMISSION CONSIDERS FUNDAMENTAL OVERHAUL OF AGED CARE

Lawyers assisting the aged care royal commission have outlined their proposal for a fundamental overhaul of the design of the aged care system.

A NEEDS-BASED APPROACH

* The rationing or capping of aged care funding packages and places would be removed.

* Funding would reflect the actual cost of providing the care an older person needs and be set by an independent pricing authority.

* Care providers would be required to account for their expenditure on care.

FOCUS ON WELLBEING, INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE

* There would be an increased focus on preventative and early interventions to help people maintain and restore function, sustain independence and enhance their wellbeing.

* The Australian government should fund and support the delivery of wellness, reablement and rehabilitation services such as occupational therapy, nursing support and personal care.

EASIER ACCESS

* It would be easier for people to get the information and the services they need, including by referral from their GP, other health practitioners and social workers.

* There would be personalised help including face-to-face assistance and ongoing case management for people who want or need it, in addition to the My Aged Care website and call centre.

* There would be a new organisation and a new workforce of care finders, equipped with local knowledge.

* There would be a single program for home and residential care, based on a single eligibility assessment.

OTHER MEASURES

* There would be incentives for innovative accommodation options driven by choice, particularly to enable people to remain in their own homes or in home-style and less institutionalised accommodation.

* People should have equitable access to aged care irrespective of where they live and their background.

* Aged care would continue to be primarily funded by government subsidies, with individuals still making substantial contributions to the cost of their care.