Keyton CEO aligns with DCM Group: villages can help solve hospital bed blocks

Last November, DCM Group CEO Chris Baynes wrote an Opinion article “Plan T: Transformation – co-located villages can solve hospital ‘bed crisis’ in 16 weeks”.

The plan for co-located villages to help solve the hospital bed crisis has received support from CEOs with co-located aged care but Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill is the first stand-alone village operator to come out publicly in favour.

At last month’s Health Ministers meeting, the States presented new data showing over 3,000 older patients were left in hospital, unable to access aged care.

“It’s a situation that is distressing for patients and families, while tying up beds other patients urgently need,” Nathan said.

“Moreover, it is costing state governments millions of dollars weekly, and the pressure is compounded by delays in accessing in-home support.” 

He said retirement living, particularly when co-located with aged care and supported by home care, can form part of a preventative approach that reduces downstream pressure on hospitals and the aged care system.

“Unlike older models that separated independent living from aged care, the new approach must accommodate gradual increases in care needs,” Nathan said. 

“That can range from short-term support after an injury or diagnosis to longer-term assistance as residents age. 

“Retirement living needs to evolve into ‘forever homes’ where both independent living and eventual care needs are met within one continuum.”

The Keyton CEO added that integrated communities can help address the bureaucratic complexity of accessing Government-funded care, where means testing and lengthy waiting periods can leave residents unprepared for rapid changes in health.