It’s no secret that there is a shortage in Australia’s healthcare industry. However, there will be more strain as the demand in aged care continues to soar. According to reports, there are over 1,100 older residents of Queensland who are occupying hospital beds yet are ready to leave but can’t as they are still waiting for aged-care placements.
Long-stay patients are experiencing delayed discharge, and the number has tripled since 2022. The trouble with this is that prolonged hospital stays can have a negative impact on older people, especially when it comes to their ability to live independently and their mobility. At the same time, the beds and staff should be allotted to others who are in need of urgent care.
Forecast shows the demand for residential care will increase by 60% in the next ten years. By 2041, it is expected that 1 in 5 Queenslanders will be aged 65 and over.
The Australian Government is working on ensuring older Australians will not be stuck in hospital and moved to care more suitable for them when they are ready. Meanwhile, the state government is investing in a Hospital Rescue Plan that will include major hospital expansions, construction of 3 new hospitals, and addition of over 2,600 beds.