Wendy Rocks is upset at a $1.2 billion cut to the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) that is used to calculate subsidies for treatment ranging from wound dressings to pain management to palliative care.

“It’s a hard gig, aged care, and over the years we have fought to maintain adequate levels of care and we’re finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and with the stroke of a budget it’s taken away,” Mrs Rocks said.

She said the system allowed for the hiring of more registered nurses and occupational therapists to help some of the 212 residents across Lutheran Aged Care sites in Albury and The Rock.

“The ACFI has done what it was put in place to do and for the first time in a long time, and I've been in this industry for 25 years, we’ve been able to deliver the kind of resident care that these very old, frail people require,” Mrs Rocks said.

She said she had raised her concerns with federal Health Minister Sussan Ley and the Labor Opposition.

“I’m disappointed the government, including minister Ley have not consulted at all,” Mrs Rocks said.

“I've written letters and I got a polispeak letter back and was told nothing can be done because they’re in caretaker mode and the Opposition has said there is nothing they can do to reverse the decision.”

Mrs Rocks is now urging families of residents and staff to protest to Ms Ley.

The minister said she was “more than happy” to meet Mrs Rocks. 

“The changes Wendy is referring to, come from our intention to ensure aged care funding is directed to exactly where it is needed,” Ms Ley said.

“This involves a stronger compliance regime, tougher fines, and reducing the number of incorrect or false claims made by providers by $60 million over the next four years.”

Labor’s spokesman on ageing Shane Neumann said a Shorten government would review the ACFI as a priority.

But he would not say if the $1.2 billion cut would be changed by Labor in power.

“I am not about to make promises just because we are in an election period,” Mr Neumann said.

“Labor is committed to responsible economic management and getting the response to this and other issues right.”