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Nursing homes last choice for most Australians

A majority of Australians over 50 have no intention of moving into a nursing home when they get frail, and expect governments to support the development of alternative forms of aged care and accommodation, a Galaxy Poll has found.

The lack of enthusiasm for traditional aged care homes has resulted in most baby boomers putting off a decision on their futures until they can no longer live at home, the research conducted for The Benevolent Society shows.

Of the 1,000 people aged over 50 polled across NSW, as many as 75% said they would only move into a nursing home if they had no other choice.

“The research clearly demonstrates that older Australians are looking for something other than traditional establishments to provide the accommodation and care they need in later life,” said Richard Spencer, the chief executive of the Society.

“The figures back up other expert findings on attitudes to future aged care and accommodation among baby boomers, especially in terms of the strong preference for maintaining independence and remaining in close proximity to family and friends.

“These preferences are solid and widespread, and send a strong message to governments and to the aged care, retirement and housing industries about what older Australians will be demanding over the next 10 to15 years.

“They place great store in the need for living independently as long as possible, in having easy access to health care services, and in staying in their neighbourhood of choice and being close to loved ones” Mr Spencer said.

The Galaxy research showed there was general agreement among the over 50s that the Government must shoulder the burden of increased costs for care, support and accommodation for the nation’s ageing population.

Overall, 78% believe that the Government must start to budget now for the blow out in costs, that is expected to occur in the next 10 to15 years.

The preference for the Government to continue to meet the costs of care, support and accommodation of elderly Australians was observed across all demographic groups.

Other key findings of the polling included:

  • City residents are the most negatively disposed to nursing homes, while those in regional and rural areas are the most positive.
  • Up to 61% of people over 50 believe that they only need to think seriously about aged care accommodation when the family home ceases to become an option.
  • Those aged 50-59 years are the most negatively disposed to nursing homes, and those over 70 years the most positive.
  • People who have worked in a nursing home are the most negatively disposed to them. 
  • Eighty two per cent of over 50s would prefer a new style of accommodation and care for older people.

 

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