AUSTRALIA | Ageing Australia welcomes the Cook Government’s commitment to aged care in its plan to manage winter hospital demand in WA.
Under the announcement, the WA Government will expand care-at-home programs, including Hospital in the Home and virtual care services, so older people can receive care outside of hospitals.
The AUD 20.3 million commitment to the Transition Care Program at Home will introduce new 24/7 monitoring for patients, using technology that supports a safe recovery at home.
Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk has also announced their first free RSV vaccination program targeting seniors in residential aged care to help keep older people out of hospitals.
The Time to Think program will be allocated an extra AUD 25 million to expand its services, giving older people discharged from hospital a place in residential aged care with extra allied health support, and help to explore long-term residential options.
“These programs are aimed at preventing avoidable hospitalisations of older people, and supporting recovery at home. We are pleased to see the acknowledgement that caring for older Australians is not just a responsibility for the Federal Government, but for Governments at all levels,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
“The Cook Government has again shown its commitment to support older people, taking pressure off hospitals by investing in aged care, and setting an example for other states and territories.”
“Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, which will put enormous pressure on the health system. Over the next 40 years, those over 80 will triple, and we need to be ready.”
“Last year, Australia added about 800 aged care beds, when we should be building over
10,000 a year. All Governments must work with Aged Care providers to address the demand and deliver the best care for older people.”
The Western Australian Government also recently committed to a AUD 100 million Low Interest Loan Scheme to support providers to build beds for older people with lower means. This measure is also being replicated in other States.
“These examples prove ageing is everyone’s business.”
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