The Prime Minister and state premiers have announced a new hospital funding deal, with the $25 billion agreement to run over the next five years. The funding is aimed at easing pressure on Australia’s hospital system as demand for health services continues to grow. The new funding deal was warmly welcomed by many within the…
A new report by the Productivity Commission has found the median wait time to access home care services has almost doubled to 245 days over the last financial year. Advocates warn the growing delays are leaving many older Australians without the essential support they need to live safely and independently at home. This places increasing…
HESTA recently unveiled its State of the Sector Workforce study, providing fresh insights into the experiences of health and community services workers across Australia. The survey of more than 4,200 workers revealed that aged care employees report some of the highest levels of enjoyment in the sector, highlighting the strong sense of purpose and fulfilment…
Last year, Meals on Wheels introduced a waiting list for the first time in its history. This followed a funding shortfall that limited how many meals the service could provide. The development raised serious concerns about the ability of community providers to meet growing demand, particularly as Australia’s population continues to age. Meals on Wheels…
Being an aged care worker is rewarding, but it is also one of the most emotionally and physically demanding roles. Each day, aged care professionals support people through some of the most challenging moments of life. Many residents are coping with declining health, reduced mobility, loss of independence or the death of loved ones. Many…
An on-campus aged care facility will be built at the University of Canberra. The intergenerational facility will be located on the university’s Bruce campus, close to its health and hospital hubs. It will operate under a 100-year lease agreement with Opal Healthcare and Partier Property Development. The development will include 230 independent living units, a…
Many Australians haven’t even considered saving for aged care by the time they reach retirement. Yet most retirees will need some form of assistance — ranging from help with everyday tasks to 24-hour care in a residential facility. Despite this, only 40% of older Australians are concerned about the cost of aged care. Experts warn…
State and territory leaders have held an emergency meeting calling on the Federal Government to urgently fix Australia’s aged care crisis. An increasing aged care bed shortage is leading to growing wait times for aged care places. This is leaving thousands of older Australians stuck in hospitals. This puts unnecessary pressure on the already strained…
Mental health in aged care is often underrecognised, despite being a significant and growing concern. Many older Australians face a myriad of challenges. These include reduced mobility, chronic health conditions, grief, social isolation and major life transitions. These changes can have a profound impact on the emotional wellbeing of seniors, yet mental health issues in…
Most of us want happiness for ourselves and those we care about. Yet as we grow older, maintaining that sense of happiness can become more complex. Older Australians often face challenges such as declining health, the loss of loved ones, caring responsibilities, or changes in independence and routine — all of which can affect emotional…