Just caught up with this thread. The biggest problems are, a lack of care, particularly in bottom end aged facilities. Places where profits are based on what can be gained from that left after costs from aged pensions. A dollar spent, is a dollar less for the bottom line. Poorly trained, and poorly paid staff, and lack of staff that is needed to proved the extra care many aged persons require are major factors in poor outcomes .
The poor quality food is just one part of the terrible conditions endured in many low cost nursing homes. The fact is countless numbers die prematurely each year through inadequate care.

In previous years, before urban expansion accelerated so rapidly, people lived near their siblings, parents and grandparents or often in the same house. They could care for the needs of elderly relatives, so there was no need for expensive aged care facilities which have become so dysfunctional under their corporate owners.

A Senate enquiry has found that auditors badly let down abused residents of the Oakden (SA) aged care centre by not being willing to learn from past mistakes. There was "deep concern" over the time it took to address complaints. There were many subsequent cases of abuse after the first cases were reported thanks to the tardiness of investigators.

The SA government and the incompetent Minister just didn't give a stuff. There should be be sackings and prosecutions. Not a good look for Wetherill with an election due in a few weeks.

Hi ttbn, there are deep seated problems with aged/mental care throughout Australia. Its not just limited to SA, or any one State, its systemic. When you combine neglect, both personal and institutional, with a under resourced system, you are bound to have horrendous inequalities, and from time to time such horrors as 'Oakden' are exposed. Sure, when incidents come to light there is much posturing by politicians and those responsible to claim "things will change", but the reality is somewhat different, "things" continue to deteriorate until the next shocker is uncovered.

Hi Foxy, your Mum was lucky to have such a loving, caring and concerned family. There are unfortunately many who are not so privileged. Those that have no resources, other than the aged pension, no family willing to care for them, or to provide for them, people who are simply abandoned to the system. I mentioned the lower end of the market, where private operators who are profit driven proliferate. In one case I know of in Sydney, the same operator owns no less that five such facilities, and does very well I am sure. "T" mentioned to me about one these places where food prep includes the use of the "mulie" as she called it. Leftovers of all kinds including eggs, vegies, even porridge, mince etc are placed in a pot and blended using the "mulie" then heated and fed to inmates as a meal. Often not consumed, or left to go cold, disgusting!
As ttbn pointed out, aged care is very lucrative, even more so if you spend next to nothing on the inmates.

Dear Paul,

I count our blessings daily. We have been fortunate
thus far - but who knows what the future will hold
for any of us. Aged care needs a big re-vamp and
governments need to step in to ensure more equity.
At the rate the aged care industry is growing they'll
price themselves out of existence and the government
will be forced to take action.

Hi FOXY...

Without causing you any distress or recriminations concerning aged care. But from what I've heard about some facilities here in Sydney, when I become too stupid and difficult to handle, my two friends Alex. STURM & Bill RUGER will assist in my relocation with their security six. I'd not spend a moment under the aegis of some aged facility's I've heard about, here in Sydney.

You and your dear Mum were indeed lucky to find a home that pursues ethical practices in aged care. Though as someone else mentioned the more you're willing to pay, the better I suppose? Take good care of yourself please FOXY.