Aged care in the home improves lives and saves money. So why are Australians being made to wait?
‘If you ignore people at a point where they really need some of that earlier intervention … then you’re up for a higher cost’, says expertGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastTwenty years ago, Patrick Evans beat cancer. Now aged 76, the repercussions of the radiation treatment that helped him are setting in.“He has very serious aspiration and that causes him pneumonia and that lands him in hospital on a regular basis,” his wife, Inda, said. “He had a very bad episode last year and was basically in a life or death situation.”Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/21/aged-care-in-the-home-improves-lives-and-saves-money-so-why-are-australians-being-made-to-wait
Patrick's struggle illustrates the challenges faced in accessing home care for the elderly in Australia. Delays in funding allocation and assessments leave thousands waiting for essential support, impacting their well-being and increasing healthcare costs. Reforms under discussion aim to improve access to services and enable elderly individuals to stay independent at home for longer. However, current delays and limitations in the system highlight the urgent need for timely and efficient care to prevent premature institutionalization and ensure better quality of life.