Former foster children fear returning to institutional care

Frank Golding, an 86-year-old former foster child, is among many older Australians facing the fear of returning to managed care. He, like many others, spent a traumatic childhood in a state-run orphanage, where he witnessed violence and abuse. Now, he worries about spending his final years in a similar environment. Reports from researchers at Monash University highlight the unique challenges faced by "forgotten Australians." Many older care leavers, who have experienced trauma, struggle with the idea of returning to residential aged care. Frank Golding and others fear re-living the past in an institution designed for elderly care. Professor Philip Mendes, a co-author of the report, explains that the triggers for these individuals can include the sights and smells found in aged care facilities. Many lack family support and already feel isolated, making the transition more difficult. As they grow older, these former wards of the state may find themselves needing care but feel uneasy about it. Calls for government support are growing. Mendes urges officials to better consult care leavers to improve their experiences with the aged care system. He also emphasizes the need for priority funding to help them stay in their homes, reflecting on the challenges faced by older individuals without family advocates. While the Department of Health and Aged Care is planning to introduce new support for in-home aging care by July, there are no guarantees for automatic priority for care leavers. Golding believes that as former wards of the state, they deserve better support in their old age, arguing that their past experiences should not be ignored.