The Caring for Older Australians draft report, released today, paints a picture of a failing aged-care system with long waiting lists and inconsistent quality and pricing, and has recommended setting up an agency to standardise care arrangements.
Council on the Ageing has called the review an historic moment and says the changes could make a lasting effect over the next 20 to 30 years.
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Alzheimers Australia says the new system would give greater access to those in need.
The Benevolent Society's general manager of ageing, Barbara Squires, said older people wanted to live as independently as possible while remaining connected to their community.
"Changes are needed to increase housing options for an increasing number of older Australians whether they own their homes or rent," she said.
The Benevolent Society has backed the report's recommendations for a redesign of government policies, programs and regulations.
"The society also welcomes the commission's support for the removal of stamp duty, relaxation of the pension's assets test and other disincentives for older Australian home-owners to move to more suitable housing as they age," Ms Squires said.
But the Australian Nursing Federation says the draft report doesn't address staff issues that have a direct impact on patient care.
The federation's federal secretary Lee Thomas says ignoring this issue means the problems of attracting nurses and assistants to aged care will continue long into the future.
