Woman opts to end her own life while waiting for aged care help
A heartbroken son has shared the devastating story of how his chronically-ill mother decided to end her own life rather than endure a months long wait for aged care funding.
After a hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care Bill, it was determined that tens of thousands of Australians are waiting to receive their home care packages after being approved for the financial support.
Home care packages, which are government-funded through MyAgedCare allow Australians to access support in their own home, including nursing, food preparation, cleaning and help with personal hygiene.
It is intended to stave off or avoid moving into costly residential aged care, allowing elderly Australians to remain at home longer.
However, 2GB's Ben Fordham spoke to one devastated man about his mother Ellen's struggle with accessing her funds, as she ultimately died waiting for her support.
"My mum suffered severe COPD for several years while she was waiting for an upgraded package," Mark told the program.
COPD is short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a progressive inflammation in the lungs and airways that makes it difficult to breathe.
"Her pride wouldn’t allow any of her boys to take care of her or to bathe her so she got approved for the assisted dying and actually a few months ago proceeded with (it)."
He added, "She passed while waiting for the upgraded package."
Fordham was devastated by the call and the suffering of so many vulnerable people.
"We are chasing answers from the Australian government on this because people are dying while waiting for home care packages," he said.
"When you’ve got Ellen choosing euthanasia instead, you know that you’ve got a serious problem."
Image credits: 2GB