Alarmingly, in the last financial year alone, 4812 older Australians died while held up in the system on these waitlists.
Murchison resident John McKenzie knows all too well the delays and challenges of trying to access a My Aged Care package.
He has been attempting to secure a simple in-home assessment for around 10 months, with no success in getting an occupational health therapist in the region to visit and evaluate his needs.
“I can’t get anyone — no occupational health therapist will come out here,” John said.
“People where I live have been waiting two years. Two years just to get on to the system.
“Every time you ring My Aged Care, they put you on hold. They say they’ll call you back, but they never do.
“I’ve just about given up. Nothing happens.”
John, who is turning 70 next year, faces serious health challenges that make everyday life difficult.
He is a lung cancer survivor, having undergone chemotherapy and radiation after surgery was deemed too risky.
As a result, he now has only one fully functioning lung and one partially functioning, which limits his breathing and requires him to rest frequently.
“My legs don’t work properly because I can’t get enough oxygen to them. I have to sit down in the shower. I can only walk a few metres before I’m buggered,” he said.
“If they could help me, I could get a little scooter so I can get around.
“Right now, all I can do is drive to the supermarket, sit down, wait for my legs to come good, and then try again.
“I need help and I can’t get it, and it’s really frustrating.”
In September, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston said the government should be condemned for putting politics before the rights of older Australians.
She said it was utterly unacceptable that there was likely more than 200,000 older Australians stuck in limbo — either waiting to be assessed or waiting for a package while Labor hid behind excuses.
“This is a cruel betrayal of vulnerable Australians who deserve dignity, choice and independence in their later years,” she said.
“The money is there, the sector is ready — but Labor refuses to act.”
Politics aside, something needs to be done. For John, accessing this help is crucial for his life.
“My Aged Care would help me get the things I need just to get around and look after myself,” John said.
“I’m not just speaking up for myself. It’s everybody. There are so many of us struggling.
“I don’t want to be one of the people that die waiting for help too.”
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