Submission to the Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety

Exposing occurrences of abuse and neglect of older people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) either intentionally or through clinical incompetence, has been the focus of my clinical experiences, research and advocacy since 2006. Revealing abuse and neglect is not welcomed by residential aged care proprietors, members of parliament (state and federal), bureaucrats and the general public can be dismissive and careless, making the exposure of these issues problematic. It is hoped that the Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care is the opportunity for those of us in an advocacy role to have our experiences and views heard, recognised and addressed so that quality care is achievable for all older people living in Australia.