THE royal commission into aged care will hold a community forum in Newcastle later this month.
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Details of the forum were announced on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety website on Wednesday.
The Newcastle forum, to be held on Wednesday November 27, will offer "a limited number of people" the opportunity to give a brief statement in front of Commissioner Lynelle Briggs.
The commission is currently conducting hearings in Hobart and has already heard testimony in Mudgee, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mildura, Darwin, Cairns, Perth, Broome, Sydney and Adelaide.
In its interim report released last week, the commission said a fundamental overhaul was needed of the aged care system and the way it was designed, funded and regulated. It cited "widespread over-prescribing" of drugs that sedate residents, rendering them drowsy and unresponsive, and called for action to stop the flow of younger people with disabilities going into the aged care system.
The report also called for more support to help older Australians stay in their homes. It said large numbers of people regularly waited almost three years for a home care package.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy, who in August wrote to seek a public forum in the region, said the Hunter visit was important.
"I have been contacted by many older constituents and their families who have concerns about residential aged care and home care," he said.
The Newcastle forum will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday November 27 at NEX @ Wests City (Newcastle Exhibition and Conference Centre), 309 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302.
