Who Cares? (Part 1 of 2)

Who Cares? "They're all someone's mum, someone's dad."

A special two-part investigation of the failings in aged care.

"They're all someone's mum, someone's dad, someone's brother, someone's sister. They were all young once and they're just forgotten." Senior aged care consultant, NSW

On Monday Four Corners launches the first of a two-part special investigation into the treatment of the elderly in aged care homes.

"I was a personal carer in an aged care facility and I'm speaking out because people need to know what it's really like in a nursing home." Aged care worker, NSW

In the ABC's biggest crowd sourced investigation, we asked our audience to share with us their experiences of the aged care industry. More than 4,000 responded.

"I'm speaking up today for people that don't have a voice." Senior aged care consultant, Victoria

Many of those who have come forward are professionals who have extensive experience in the industry and are concerned by what they have seen.

"I believe our elderly deserve to have better care." Senior aged care consultant, NSW

In part one of this investigation, Four Corners examines the business of aged care and what that means for the vulnerable residents left in its care.

"When they go into have a look at a facility, they do see the glamour. They might see a sing along or a coffee club or something like that. They see the glitzy pictures and they don't know about the ground level care." Diversional therapist, Victoria

Families have also decided to speak out, with disturbing accounts of overworked staff and neglected residents.

"Within three weeks, she was no longer the person that she had been. Nan would never want to complain about things and when I was there I would verbally bring up things with the staff. No resolution was ever evident. And so I started filming it." Granddaughter

With families and aged care workers from around the country, Four Corners reveals the shameful lack of care and dignity experienced by many elderly Australians.

Reported by Anne Connolly and presented by Sarah Ferguson.