The Western Australia Government has commissioned another 16 beds in its Time to Think program, bringing the total to 69 beds, with Hall & Prior operating 35 in total, and Amana Living 34.
Time to Think is one of several strategies the Western Australian Government is employing to try to free up hospital beds occupied by older patients waiting for permanent residential aged care. The program has supported more than 175 patients, freeing up 3,300 hospital bed days. However, as The Weekly SOURCE report this week, 315 patients remain in WA hospitals waiting for a place in residential aged care. In September, ambulance ramping reached a new record high of 7,257 hours for the month. Time to Think is not filling the gap.
Time to Think is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments. Hall & Prior is adding six beds at its Wycombe Grove aged care home, bringing the total to 17, and has nine beds at its Hamersley aged care home, and nine at Leighton.
Maddy Glover, Hall & Prior’s Allied Health Manager, says the best aspect of this program is that the extra time the residents get, supported by our care staff and social workers to decide what the future holds for them, away from the hustle of the hospital system.
Amana Living is adding 10 beds to its Mosman Park home, increasing capacity to 20 beds. Kinross Care Community also delivers 14 beds under Time to Think.
Stephanine Buckland, Amana Living CEO, said, "Time to Think provides older people with the opportunity to transition thoughtfully into aged care, ensuring their needs and preferences are considered. It also supports families and the broader community by reducing pressure on hospitals and enabling more person-centred care."
