The federal government has announced the immediate release of 20,000 home care packages in a bid to address mounting pressure on Australia’s aged care system.
Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler’s announcement comes as 87,000 older Australians wait up to 11 months for appropriate home care support, with approved recipients typically waiting another 12 months to receive services.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomed the move but said more work was needed to protect older people ahead of the new Aged Care Act commencing November 1.
“This is good news, but inadequate in-home care support can push older people into hospital and prematurely into residential aged care, which is unfair and avoidable,” said OPAN Director Samantha Edmonds.
The advocacy group had previously called for a minimum 20,000 additional packages to reduce waiting lists, adding their voice to a group of independent federal senators. Senator David Pocock said that he has had families contacting his office in absolute despair at the lack of action and the delays. “Being able to access a package in many cases only when someone currently on a package passes away is completely unacceptable,” Pocock said in July..
Ms Edmonds said current delays were putting older people at significant risk. “Once an older person has been approved for the appropriate level of in-home support, they typically wait another 12 months to receive it. Untenable delays such as these put older people at significant risk of adverse outcomes. Older people should not have to wait more than 30 days for in home support.”
The delays have serious consequences for dignity and wellbeing, with many forced into hospital or residential care earlier than necessary. “Living independently is a top priority for many older people and the government must deliver this,” Ms Edmonds said.
For information or support regarding aged care, call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org. au
