Delays in accessing home care are increasingly affecting health system capacity, particularly in regional Western Australia. Many older people assessed as needing support are waiting months for services, during which time some are entering hospital or residential care earlier than planned, not because of acute illness, but due to a lack of home-based support.
These delays have downstream consequences. Older people occupying hospital beds while awaiting care contribute to emergency department congestion, ambulance ramping and reduced elective surgery capacity. In regional areas, the challenge is compounded by funding models that do not adequately account for distance and travel time, placing additional strain on local providers and limiting service availability.
The situation highlights the role of timely home care as a pressure valve for the broader health system. Supporting people to remain safely at home improves independence, reduces avoidable hospital use and delivers better long-term value. Without improvements to package availability and regional funding settings, pressure will continue to shift to hospitals, families and aged care facilities.