Aged Care Homes Lack Bushfire Evacuation Plans

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Sydney news today from the Daily News Now. A major union says most Australian-aged care homes lack realistic plans to evacuate residents during bushfires. Rob Sheehy from the union claims he's not aware of any facility that could quickly move elderly people to safety if flames closed and fast. Staffing shortages make it impossible, especially at night with just a few workers for dozens of residents. Here this year on January 9th, a fast-moving bushfire in the teamuck, Western Victoria, reached the back door of a local nursing home. More than 30 residents and staff couldn't evacuate in time, as officials said it would have been too dangerous. Firefighters save the building after the blaze destroyed over 30 nearby structures. Workers on the ground feel heartbroken by the gaps and plans. Sheehy points to examples like a two-story home in New South Wales relying on one hydraulic chair, or another in Western Australia expecting staff to.

1:01Drag residents downstairs. Drills often happen under ideal conditions, like midday with full teams, not real emergencies. After the fire, news outlets ask Victoria's more than 750 aged care providers for their bushfire plans. Most decline to share details, though some like Australian Unity and Bindical Health insisted they have solid strategies tied to local emergency services. Facilities prioritize moving residents to safer internal spots before full evacuations using buses or ambulances. Sheehy urges families and residents to ask tough questions now about nighttime staffing and multi-story evacuations, rather than waiting for a crisis. He says regulators and government need to push for transparency, as many loved ones would be shocked by the realities. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. No earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.