Annie* is disgusted at the state of aged care in Australia. While her parents are now deceased, Annie saw a major lack of freedoms at the aged care facility her parents stayed in several years ago.

She said residents were kept behind locked doors, given cold food that should have been hot, refused a second cup of tea and saw carers bossing residents around like they were children – or worse.

She also saw several forms of abuse.

Annie saw examples where incontinent people were left in discomfort too long or made to wear only a nappy.

“These things happen in the dementia wing, where the staff are trusted to take decent care of residents,’’ Annie said.

“Another issue is the problem of couples being separated because one is high care - how distressing after 40 or more years together.

“Good on National Seniors for addressing the issues.”

Annie’s story is one of many distressing examples of why reform in aged care is so desperately needed.

In July a shocking story emerged of a Brisbane man who lost his leg because the aged care facility he was living at failed to treat his broken leg for a month and as a result, his leg had to be amputated.

*Annie has used an alternative name to protect her identity.