Woman says aged home care system is broken

Gwenda Darling has repeatedly complained about the quality of home care services she receives, with little result.

"I think the home care system is broken and it seems totally unregulated," Ms Darling told the aged care royal commission on Wednesday.

"The providers are running a free-for-all system."

Ms Darling said she wanted to remain in her regional NSW home, but without good home care and "honest providers", would not be able to do so.

"Like thousands of Australians, I will be forced into residential care, defeating the whole purpose of home care which is to allow us to remain in our homes," she told the commission's Brisbane hearing.

"As a home care client, I feel like no one cares."

The 66-year-old has had four different service providers since she was first approved for a home care package in January 2017.

She has been assessed as needing the highest level of assistance, but is still waiting 930 days later.

She receives a lower-level package while she waits, getting daily personal care including showering, meal preparation, transport to medical appointments and cleaning.

The Aboriginal woman has dementia, epilepsy and other medical issues that include an inability to effectively use her hands and restricted movement in her shoulder and elbow.

Ms Darling now manages her home care package herself with another provider, allowing her to chose her own workers and pay lower fees.

Ms Darling said she felt like no one cared about the waste of funds in home care.

"It annoys me because it is government money but also my money."

Australian Associated Press