Seniors

The Greens (WA) regard the skills, experiences, wisdom and memories of seniors as assets which benefit the whole community. We believe that seniors have the right to live with dignity and that seniors have equal rights to participate in the social, economic and political aspects of life. 

Goals

The Greens (WA) want: 

• an adequate income for all seniors (see Australian Greens Older People Policy)
• seniors to be consulted on all legislative and procedural changes that affect them
• suitable accommodation including affordable, quality, public sector housing for seniors, including those in regional and rural Western Australia
• quality and affordable health and pharmaceutical services for seniors, including dental treatment and preventative health services
• seniors to be protected from crime, elder abuse and discrimination
• excellent support services for seniors who choose to remain in their own homes
• access to residential care determined on the basis of need, not financial means
• care standards in nursing homes and hostels to be maintained and improved
• adequate remuneration and qualification requirements for people who work in the aged care sector. 

Initiatives

The Greens (WA) will initiate and support legislation and actions that: 

• guarantee increases in the age pension and work towards financial independence of all seniors
• assist seniors to understand their financial needs, choose appropriate products and manage their money
• provide financial assistance for mobility and independent living aids for seniors
• provide a range of affordable and secure accommodation options, including public sector and community housing, to older people, including those in regional and rural Western Australia
• fund research into the housing needs of the ageing population
• provide planning assistance and financial support or tax relief for people to build "granny flats" for the purpose of accommodating their elderly relatives
• expand free educational and support programs for carers
• ensure remedial and preventative health services are available at the local level
• increase the number of rehabilitation facilities linked to hospitals to reduce the pressure on acute care beds
• provide adequate safe public transport and supported individual transport to allow seniors to access services and take part in community activities
• advocate for a State Mental Health Strategy for seniors
• significantly increase wages for people working with seniors and ensure pay equity with professionals working in other sectors
• amend the Worker’s Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 to remove provisions that discriminate against older employees
• fund dental care for seniors at state level until Medicare covers dental treatment for seniors
• fund wellness centres and community education centres to cater to the physical, social and mental well-being of seniors and carers
• ensure that residents in aged care facilities, and their families, can have an active say in the operation of the service and the design of new facilities
• provide increased funding for community organisations representing and servicing seniors and their carers to provide free information, advice and advocacy services.