The heartache caused by COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities across Victoria is still fresh, with families mourning the loss of over 600 elderly residents who died during the state’s second wave.
The fact that many of these deaths were preventable adds an even deeper layer of tragedy. As we approach the fifth anniversary of these devastating outbreaks, it’s painfully clear that the lessons we should have learned from this crisis have yet to be fully embraced. The same systemic issues persist, and we risk being doomed to repeat history.
Grieving families like Klery Loutkas, whose mother died at St Basil’s Aged Care, and Sam Agnello, who lost his mother at Epping Gardens, are speaking out, still grappling with the aftermath of their loved ones’ deaths. Loutkas poignantly remarked that her mother’s death was in vain, highlighting the failure of the system to protect those most vulnerable. Agnello, who has lived with the loss of his mother for almost five years, fears that the same mistakes will be repeated if we don’t act now. “We’re doomed to repeat history,” Agnello says, and the truth of that statement looms large as we watch the same issues play out today.
The federal review of the aged care outbreaks revealed a litany of failures: inadequate emergency planning, poor infection control measures, and a lack of sufficient staff to care for the elderly. These are problems that were well-known long before the pandemic, but despite promises of reform, we are still facing the same challenges. Casual staff continue to work across multiple facilities, exacerbating the spread of infections, and the sector remains chronically understaffed, leaving vulnerable residents at risk.
While some improvements have been made, particularly in terms of planning and communication, they are insufficient. We are no better prepared for the next pandemic than we were in 2020. This is not just about throwing money at the problem or passing legislation—it’s about making meaningful, systemic changes. We need to hold those responsible accountable for the lives lost and ensure that the lessons learned during this crisis are not forgotten.
Additionally, the harsh visitation restrictions during the pandemic need to be reckoned with. While the intention was to protect residents from the virus, the ban on family visits caused profound emotional harm. The elderly were denied human connection in their final years, a cruelty that continues to haunt families today. We must find a better balance between protecting residents and preserving their dignity, especially in their last moments.
If we truly want to honor those we lost during Victoria’s COVID-19 aged care tragedy, we must act now to fix the broken system. It’s time for the government to address the chronic understaffing, improve infection control, and ensure that aged care homes are never again left vulnerable in a public health crisis. The lessons from this tragedy must not be forgotten, or else we risk repeating the same mistakes again and again, at the expense of those who deserve our care and respect.
