A report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today revealed more aged
care residents than ever before require high levels of attention and remain in nursing homes
longer.
As at June 2007, 70 percent of permanent residents needed high-level care compared with 58
percent a decade ago; the average stay jumping from 131 weeks in 1998 to 146 in 2006-2007.
87 residential places for every 1,000 people aged over 70 were available at that time just
one short of the 2011 target.
Provision ratios were highest in the Northern Territory (94.1), South Australia (93.2), and
Victoria (87.6) Tasmania (84.9) and the ACT (72.6) the lowest.
Please view the full report at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10589
Government Policy
The three aged care bombshells from Senate Estimates
Last week’s Senate Estimates hearing – held just three weeks before sweeping reforms roll out – gave politicians the chance to ask Government heavyweights the questions they’re getting from constituents and to interrogate the once-in-a-generation changes.
