Currently more than 3,300 older Australians are facing delayed discharge from hospitals, a 35% increase in just one year, while others are waiting in emergency departments because they have nowhere to go.
Residential aged care is at near full capacity, and more than 200,000 older people are waiting for a Support at Home Package. When they do get a package, it only covers a percentage of the care they need.
We need to build 10,000 aged care beds a year to keep up with demand, but last year we built less than 1,000.
It’s placing enormous pressure on the healthcare system, both in hospital and in the community.
More and more patients can’t get the care they need, which is resulting in avoidable hospital admissions, avoidable healthcare issues, and premature decline in health. This is a poor outcome for older people, a poor outcome for families, and a poor outcome for the healthcare system.
“With a rapidly ageing population caring for older people and keeping them supported, happy, healthy and out of hospitals must become a priority for all states and territories, alongside the Federal Government,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
The reforms of the new Act were expected to make aged care more investable, but that investment in new beds isn’t happening. Two-thirds of aged care providers are still losing money, so find it difficult to fund expansions.
“Half of home care providers are also can’t make ends meet, and Support at Home packages are not keeping up with demand.”
“Unless something is done to increase aged care capacity, build more beds and deliver more Support at Home Packages more and more older Australians risk early or avoidable admission to hospital, not to mention delayed discharge. This isn’t good for older people and it places further pressure on the health system.”
“Many older people admitted to hospital after a medical episode like a stroke or a fall are assessed as needing residential aged care rather than going home, but while they wait for an aged care bed or a Support at Home package, they remain in hospital, which means that bed is unavailable for other patients.”
“We also need to invest in ‘step-down care’, helping patients who are well enough for hospital discharge, but still have medical needs that are too high for an aged care home.”
Emergency departments are not designed for older people to have such long stays, said Australasian College for Emergency Medicine President Dr Peter Allely.
“We need an aged care system that can meet the needs of older Australians, with enough capacity and the right kind of care.
“This isn’t a distant problem. It’s affecting people right now, and it’s going to get bigger as our population ages.”
“As emergency physicians, we’re caring for older patients in emergency departments for far longer than they were ever designed for.”
“Emergency departments are noisy, busy, and constantly moving. They’re not the right place for older people with dementia, frailty, or complex needs to spend extended periods of time.”
“Every day we see people who are frightened, confused, and unwell, often separated from loved ones, familiar routines, faces and supports.”
“Recent figures show there are almost 3300 older people stranded in hospital beds waiting for aged care placement across the nation, a 35 per cent increase in only six months.”
Dr Michael Wright, the president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, says if aged care is feeling the pinch, so are GPs.
“General practitioners see every day the challenges older patients and their families face when they're unable to access the care and support they need. Delays can have a significant impact on a person's health, independence and quality of life,” he says.
“This is not just an aged care issue, it's a whole-of-health system issue. Pressures in aged care flow through to general practice, emergency departments and hospitals, placing additional strain on an already stretched system.
“We need all levels of government to work together to expand aged care capacity, improve access to Support at Home packages and ensure older Australians can receive high-quality, timely care in their communities.
“Older Australians should be able to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Unfortunately, too many people are falling through the cracks because aged care services cannot keep pace with growing demand.
“Investing in aged care capacity is an investment in better health outcomes for older people, reduced pressure on hospitals, and a more sustainable healthcare system for everyone.”
Background:
About Ageing Australia
Ageing Australia is the national organisation representing all providers of aged care to older Australians, delivering retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services. https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/
About ACEM
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
About the RACGP
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians. www.racgp.org.au.
Media Contacts:
Ageing Australia:
Peter O’Dempsey 0499 106 957 or [email protected]
ACEM:
Helen Johnson, Manager, Media Relations [email protected] 0427 621 857
Nick Buchan, Media Advisor [email protected] 0481 918 488
RACGP:
Media team: 03 8699 0992 [email protected]