Senator Jan McLucas, with June and Lin Smith and Brett Raguse at Bethania Community Centre.

The Shadow Minister for Aging, Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, visited the Bethania Community Centre on Monday to discuss aged care issues with local residents.

The morning tea was arranged by the Labor Candidate for Forde, Brett Raguse, who noted that it was essential that Labor receive feedback from the community so that effective, compassionate, aged care policies can be produced for the electorate’s changing demographic profile.

Senator McLucas said that Labor’s policy paper, Goals for an Aging Australia, is based on the themes of activity, quality and security.

“We know that older people who keep physically and socially active lead happier and healthier lives,” she said.

Senator McLucas talked also of the need for streamlining home care support services so that people requiring assistance need only call one agency instead of multiple service providers.

The CAP program (Community Aged-Care Packages) for people who need more intensive care at home, is also seen as needing extra funding as Government funding increases have not kept in line with the cost of providing adequate home care services.

Senator McLucas emphasized that aged care policies should not just be about care needs but also about recipients’ aspirations.

“It’s not just about aging issues, it’s also about housing issues, health issues, and quality of life issues,” she said.