The number of people waiting to receive a home care package continues to decrease as the Morrison Government ensures more senior Australians can live at home for longer.
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report (1st Quarter 2021-22) shows the number of people accessing a home care package grew to 204,146 at 30 September 2021 - an increase of over 41,000 older Australians in 12 months.
The number of people waiting for their approved home care package also dropped by 25 per cent from 30 September 2020 to 30 September 2021.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it underlined the action taken by the Morrison Government in its comprehensive response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“Senior Australians want more choice, they want support to remain in control, to stay connected to their community and to remain as independent as possible, in their own home,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We have seen a 25 per cent decrease in the number of people who are waiting for a home care package at their approved level since 30 September 2020.
“The significant investment in home care packages and a shorter waitlist shows the Government is ensuring senior Australians have access to this kind of support when they need it.”
The Government is investing $6.5 billion for an additional 80,000 home care packages to support senior Australians who choose to remain in their own home.
Minister Colbeck said the packages, which commenced roll out from 1 July 2021, are expected to further reduce waitlist and wait times.
Importantly, 99 per cent of senior Australians waiting for a package at their assessed level have also been offered support from the Government, including an interim package or Commonwealth Home Support Programme and continue to have access to Australia's world-class health care system.
“We’re rolling out the packages quickly” Minister Colbeck said.
“In addition to the 40,000 packages released in 2021-22, another 40,000 packages will become available in 2022-23.
“This means that by 30 June 2023 there will be around 275,600 packages available.
“This allocation continues to significantly reduce the wait list while we work through the design phase of the new home care system which we aim to implement by July 2023."
Minister Colbeck said the Government remained committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of senior Australians remained a priority.
“We are working hard to make sure more senior Australians than ever before are able to receive the support they need to live at home and in the communities they love.”
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report (1st Quarter 2021-22) can be viewed here.