The growing number of centenarians is evident in the record number of people aged 100-plus receiving care at home.
HammondCare, a Not For Profit Christian charity offering home care, residential care, palliative care, and dementia support, revealed this data following a request under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act.
As of June 30, 2024, for the first time, over 1,000 people aged 100-plus were receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), while the number of centenarians on the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) dropped to 2,136. Of those, 50% were receiving the highest level of care, Level 4, with 31% on Level 3.
Michael Toomey, who celebrated his 100th birthday in December, is one of HammondCare’s 29 clients over 100 still living independently with HCP support. Despite facing some health challenges, Michael stays active with daily walks near his home in Lalor Park, NSW.
Professor Chris Poulos, Director of HammondCare’s Centre for Positive Ageing, attributes the longevity to better healthcare, improved cardiovascular health, and awareness of healthy lifestyles. He notes that many centenarians have strong family support.
HammondCare’s Home Care Executive General Manager Marcela Carrasco highlighted that the upcoming Support at Home system, effective from 1 July, will offer higher care levels, enabling more to live independently past 100.
