Care quality matters
We write in response to the letter from Paul Hogan (Cost of accommodation, Cootamundra Herald, June 23), where Mr Hogan refers to the cost of accommodation being, in his opinion, too high.
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There are a number of important points to be made in relation to this.
Firstly, accommodation in the Nursing Home is available to all residents of Cootamundra and district in need of care no matter how rich or poor they happen to be. Currently no less than 48% of our residents pay nothing more than the basic daily fee which, as prescribed by the Federal Government, is 85% of the single person rate of the basic age pension – and no accommodation bond at all.
Secondly, the primary funding for all aged care facilities in Australia is from the Federal Government which dictates as policy that " user pays". In other words, those who can afford to pay are expected to. This payment, as Paul Hogan points out in his article, is in the form of an additional care fee and either an accommodation bond or daily accommodation payments or a combination of both. That is what we do.
It is however important to be aware that bonds are repayable in full upon leaving.
Thirdly, as Paul points out in his letter the Cootamundra Nursing Home is a not-for-profit institution. No one gets a dividend. Whatever profits we can make we put back into the care of our residents.
And finally, we know from comparisons with other aged care facilities that the level of care in the Cootamundra Nursing Home is well above average. We are determined to keep it so.
Aged care funding is extremely complex and we urge members of the public to approach our CEO Alex McKenna with any concerns they may have.
Fred Byrne, Chairman, and
Jim Main, Finance Director
Cootamundra Nursing Home
Become a councillor
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is encouraging passionate people with enthusiasm and commitment to nominate as candidates in the upcoming local council elections and help lead and continue the work already started by our council.
Energy, commitment and a desire to get things done and make a real difference are important qualities for councillors.
Being inclusive, approachable and willing to work across communities to create a prosperous future for the entire Council area will be essential qualities.
Our Councillors will need to be strategic in outlook and be able to balance good local outcomes with sound decision making to bring about long-lasting benefits.
Council has commissioned Glenn Inglis, of the Inglis Group to undertake a number of pre-election workshops in Cootamundra and Gundagai for those considering standing for Council.
The sessions will be held as follows: Gundagai Wednesday July 12 1pm to 4pm for personal interviews; Gundagai Wednesday July 12 5pm to 6.30pm for public session; Cootamundra Thursday July 13 1pm to 4pm for personal interviews; Cootamundra Thursday July 13 5.30pm to 7pm for public session. Sessions in Gundagai will be held in the Council Chambers, Sheridan Street, Gundagai. Sessions in Cootamundra will be held in the Wattle Room, Ex-Services Club, Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra.
Any potential candidate who would like to attend a personal interview is invited to schedule a time by contacting Marianne McInerney at Council on 02694 02100.
Nominations for candidates open on Monday, July 31and close at noon on Wednesday, August 9 2017.
For more information about local council election nomination and registration details, voting and key dates visit: NSW Electoral Commission at www.elections.nsw.gov.au or the Office of Local Government at www.olg.nsw.gov.au. Elections will be held on Saturday, September 9 2017.