In what the Queensland Nurses’ and Midwives’ Union has described as a “David versus Goliath-style battle”, the families of elderly Australians have launched a petition, contacted political parties and approached the media in a bid to end elder neglect in aged care facilities. Woodgate resident Heather Mansell Brown, who spoke out about the care of her husband Bill in a Bundaberg home, has launched a petition on change.org, Safe Staffing In Aged Care Now, that has gathered more than 33,200 signatures. Union secretary Beth Mohle said relatives and residents throughout the country had reported deaths, broken limbs, dehydration and poor nutrition as a direct result of dangerously low aged care staffing.The union has harnessed some of these stories to hammer home their campaign demanding minimum staffing ratios in aged care facilities.
