Recently released data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates the use of Home Care services are an increasing popular choice for older people, having grown from 57,000 people in 2013 to 258,000 in 2023. In the same time period, growth in residential aged care services was much more modest, from 169,000 in 2013 to 189,000 in 2023.
Home Care enables older people to continue to live in their homes, with levels of support matched to the service needs of the older person. The choice over the mix of services, the increased security within the home, and the continuation of social networks in the community are yielding high rates of satisfaction from service recipients.
With more people already receiving Home Care services than Residential Aged Care, this upwards trend will continue as Australia’s population ages. By 2040 around 18.4% of the population will be aged over 65, compared to around 16.8% today.
If you are considering Home Care for your own needs or for an older person you care about, here are some resources for you that come to us from our partners in the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN):
- OPAN Understanding Home Care Packages on Vimeo
- Home Care Check In Trial in NSW
- Home Care Check In Project brochure
The importance of Home Care services was positively acknowledged in this year’s Federal budget, with an additional $531.4m allocated to create 24,100 Home Care package places, allowing for “more choice” for older Australians.
“Ensuring dignity and security for older Australians means allowing people to choose the care that’s right for them – including staying in their own home,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said at the announcement of the budget in May.
Facilitating older people’s choices, including to stay in their homes if they wish, is an important part of the advocacy work we perform at Seniors Rights Service and we are running a pilot program for a Home Care Check In Service to ensure it is meeting the needs and protecting the rights of older people across New South Wales.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services call our friendly team on 02 9281 3600
