The Federal Government will release 20,000 new home care packages in a move welcomed by the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), though advocates warn that many older Australians are still waiting too long for support.
Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler confirmed the immediate rollout of the additional packages, designed to reduce the backlog of people waiting for in-home care. More than 87,000 people are currently in the queue, with some waiting up to 11 months to receive the right level of support.
OPAN has long called for at least 20,000 new packages to be made available. Its Director of Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy, Samantha Edmonds, said the announcement was encouraging but overdue. “This is good news especially in advance of the new Aged Care Act commencing on 1 November,” she said.
Edmonds stressed that delayed access to services can have dire consequences. “Inadequate in-home care support can push older people into hospital and prematurely into residential aged care, which is unfair and avoidable,” she said.
She pointed out that even after being approved for a package, many older Australians face another year-long wait before services actually begin. “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.”
Beyond the immediate health risks, Edmonds highlighted the emotional toll of delays. “These delays have an adverse impact on a person’s dignity and wellbeing. We have a shared responsibility to alleviate this challenge.”
Australia’s ageing population adds pressure to the system. Edmonds said reform is essential to keep pace with demographic changes. “Australia has an ageing population, and it is crucial that our policies and laws are fit-for-purpose in 2025 and beyond. Living independently is a top priority for many older people and the government must deliver this.”
The new Aged Care Act, due to commence in November, is expected to shift the way services are delivered and monitored, but advocacy groups say the real test will be whether it reduces waiting times and improves quality of care.
For older Australians needing advice or assistance, support is available through the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or via opan.org.au.
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