This year, the number of Australians dying in nursing homes from Covid has more than tripled.
In 2022, more over 3,000 residents of nursing homes for the elderly perished from Covid, compared to 917 during the first two years of the pandemic.
Since the Albanese Government assumed power, there have been an average of 102 deaths per week, compared to an average of 75 deaths per week under the Coalition in the preceding five months.
This year, the number of covid deaths in nursing homes has more than tripled compared to the first two years of the pandemic.
One independent member of parliament referred to the increase in death as ‘terrifying,’ while the federal opposition criticized the administration, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety of the elderly.
Independent South Australian lawmaker Rebekha Sharkie described the spike of Covid deaths in nursing homes as “terrifying.”
She told The Age, “If I had a parent or grandparent in aged care, I would be very concerned.”
She stated that fatigue from dealing with Covid led to a decrease in the monitoring and responsibility of the virus’s control.
She stated, “I believe there is some Covid weariness in the media and even in the legislature.”
It’s almost as if there is a political intent for Coivd to disappear, but it hasn’t. Therefore, we are not going to discuss it any more.’
Paul Sadler, interim chief executive of the Aged and Community Care Providers Association, warned in July that Covid outbreaks were placing pressure on nursing homes.
Rebekha Sharkie, a member of the SA Independent Party, described the tripling of Covid deaths in nursing homes as “terrifying.”
Paul Sadler, interim CEO of the Aged and Community Care Providers Association, warned in July that Covid was placing pressure on nursing facilities.
He predicted that up to two-thirds of nursing facilities would be infected with Covid, threatening a staffing crisis if staffers were compelled to isolate themselves.
“The recent rise in surge labor availability, including the Australian Defense Force, has been welcomed, but there is still a shortage,” he said.
The reality is that we cannot deprive elderly individuals of decent care for too long.
He demanded a larger surge workforce, including ADF personnel, until at least September.
Mr. Sadler stated that the federal government must plan for the long-term resolution of chronic staffing shortages, preparation for future outbreaks, and implementation of measures proposed by the recent royal commission on aged care.
The next few weeks are crucial for elderly care. We must do all possible to prioritize the safety of the elderly and assist those who provide care for them, he said.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells told The Age that the government implemented a comprehensive winter plan to combat Covid in nursing homes.
Access to antiviral medications and vaccination, as well as increased preparedness in the sector, led to a remarkable decrease in the case fatality rate, according to her.
She stated that the administration extended the military’s role in senior care until the end of September and that 1,704 shifts were given by a surge workforce last week.
Since the advent of Anthony Albanese’s government, the weekly number of Covid deaths in aged care has increased from 75 to 102.
This year’s Omnicron waves have brought a spike of Covid cases to nursing facilities for the elderly.
Anne Rushton, the spokesperson for the opposition on aging issues, stated that the administration was moving in the opposite direction of what it had vowed to accomplish.
The rising number of Covid cases is causing an increase in fatalities, however the disease is proving less lethal to elderly care residents.
In the first year of the pandemic, 33 percent of nursing home residents who contracted Covid died from the disease.
This has decreased to nearly a tenth of that (3.5%) in 2022.
In recent weeks, there have been fewer covid instances in nursing homes, as well as in the general population.
Minister for Elderly Care Anika Wells, pictured above with her partner Finn McCarthy at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Midwinter Ball last week, was had to defend the government in the face of a rise in Covid deaths in aged care facilities.