Continued growth in aged care
The number of aged care places in Australia is continuing to rise, according to two reports released this week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The reports provide comprehensive information on federal government funded aged care.
The number of aged care places in Australia is continuing to rise, according to two reports released this week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The reports, Residential aged care in Australia 2010-11: a statistical overview and Aged care packages in the community 2010-11: a statistical overview, provide comprehensive information on federal government funded aged care.
The reports show the number of residential aged care places had grown to 185,482 at 30 June last year – an increase of 2,632 (1.4%) since the previous year.
The number of care packages, which allow older Australians to receive care in their own homes and communities, grew to 57,922 in 2010-11 – a 13% increase over the previous year.
“The increase in residential aged care services can be attributed to, and is designed to cater for, Australia’s ageing population,” AIHW spokesperson, Brent Diverty, says.
Among aged care clients, the difference in life expectancy between men and women is evident.
“About 70% of permanent residential aged care residents and recipients of Community Aged Care Packages were female,” Mr Diverty says.
There were 2,760 facilities providing residential aged care last year, with the majority being operated by not-for-profit organisations.
Most approved providers of community aged care programs were also from the not-for-profit sector.
At the end of June last year, the aged care provision ratio, for aged care packages and residential aged care places combined, was close to the federal government’s target of 113 places per 1,000 people aged 70 years and over.
The reports also reveal Indigenous Australians tend to use community aged care services at a higher rate and at younger ages than non-Indigenous people.
