Leading with Compassion
in Aged Care
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
The aged care sector has undergone significant developments since I last reflected on the importance of our mission. In considering how best to articulate our current position, I found resonance in a passage from 1 Peter 5:1–4.
‘Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. . .’
This passage speaks directly to the responsibility of leadership - particularly within faith-based organisations - to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion. As a 62-year-old organisation grounded in Anglican principles, Amana Living remains committed to exemplifying these values in our service to the community.
One area demanding urgent attention is home care. More than 87,000 older Australians are currently waiting for a home care package - a delay that has serious implications for their health, wellbeing, and dignity.
We commend the Federal Government for its decision to defer the implementation of the new Aged Care Act from 1 July to 1 November, recognising the importance of ensuring the legislation is well-prepared and clearly communicated. However, this delay should not have extended to the release of urgently needed home care packages. The two processes are distinct, and postponing the rollout of these essential services has had a direct and detrimental impact on thousands of older Australians awaiting support.
Home care packages provide essential services that enable older individuals to remain in their homes while receiving support with daily living—such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, transport, and medical assistance. These services are not luxuries; they are fundamental to maintaining quality of life and independence.
Anglicare’s recent report, Life on the Waitlist, highlights the severity of the issue. Some individuals have been waiting up to 15 months. Tragically, some have passed away before receiving the support they needed. As Anglicare’s Acting Executive Director, Maiy Azize, aptly stated, ‘87,000 is not a number, that’s people.’ Many of those waiting are experiencing complex medical conditions, reduced mobility, and mental health challenges exacerbated by isolation and lack of support. Without timely intervention, they face increased risk of hospitalisation - or worse.
In response, Amana Living, alongside our Anglican partners, aged care providers, and a coalition of 20 independent federal MPs, is advocating for the immediate release of 20,000 home care packages. This is a necessary and compassionate step to alleviate suffering and restore dignity to those most in need.
We believe this is not only a policy issue but a moral imperative. As leaders in aged care, we are called to act - not out of obligation, but out of genuine concern for those entrusted to our care.
I encourage you to join us in this advocacy. Contact your local Member of Parliament and urge them to support the immediate release of these packages. The time to act is now - not in four months. This is what it means to live our mission. This is what it means to do God’s work.