Waiting lists for older Australians in need of home care have grown significantly. Currently, twice as many people are waiting for a Commonwealth Home Care Package compared to last year. These packages provide essential support for older individuals with significant needs, allowing them to live independently at home. There are four levels of care available, ranging from basic assistance to more intensive services.
However, the federal government limits the number of home care packages it provides. As demand outpaces supply, waiting times have become problematic. For instance, it takes around one to three months to receive a Level 1 or 2 package, but up to 12 months for a more intensive Level 3 or 4 package. This doesn’t include the additional two to six weeks needed for an aged care assessment.
The situation continues to worsen, with almost 70,000 older Australians currently waiting for a home care package. During this wait, many rely on family, friends, or basic services from the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Unfortunately, long waiting periods can lead to health deterioration, increased family pressure, hospital admissions, and reduced quality of life. Shockingly, around 8,000 people died while waiting for a package in 2020-21, and 11,000 entered residential care instead.
The growing demand for home and community care is partly due to demographic aging, as Australia’s population rapidly ages. By 2026, over 22% of the population will be aged 65 or older. Urgent action is needed to address this critical issue and ensure timely access to essential home care packages.
Read the full article here At CareVision, we understand the urgency of providing timely and effective care for older Australians. Our innovative platform streamlines the management of home care packages, ensuring that your organisation can deliver the best possible care efficiently.
Visit the CareVision mobile app today to learn how our solutions can help you navigate these challenges and provide exceptional care for those in need. Let’s work together to improve the quality of life for older Australians