Shortfall of 279,000 aged care places by 2050

According to a report by Alzheimer s Australia, in 2050, we will face a shortage of 279,000 aged care places in residential and community care. The report by Access Economics warns that in Victoria alone 72,000 people may not have access to the aged care services they will require. New South Wales (NSW) figures estimate 95,200 will be left out in the cold.

“Increasing rates of dementia will largely drive this shortfall,” Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria, chief executive officer, Maree McCabe said.

The report, Caring Places Volume 2, analyses the impact of the ageing population and projected dementia rates on every Federal electorate in Australia from 2010 to 2050. Projections are based on current Government policy.

The top 10 Federal seats in Victoria listed in the report as having the highest projected deficits by 2050 are Flinders (2,872), Lalor (2,857), Coorangamite (2,683), McMillan (2,465), McEwen (2,348), Bendigo (2,341), Gippsland (2,320), Holt (2,201), Ballarat (2,168), Murray (2,118).

“This further highlights the need for a comprehensive plan to address the dementia epidemic when considering aged care reform. The reform of aged care should recognise the extra demands that dementia care places on family carers as well as the additional costs on service providers,” said Ms McCabe.

Caring Places Volume 2 comes one month after the release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report on aged care reform.

“The Productivity Commission report made a great start in recommending entitlement to aged care, increased consumer choice and flexibility of services,” Alzheimer’s Australia President, Ita Buttrose said.

“However we were discouraged to see that not one of the 42 recommendations dealt specifically with dementia and we urge the Commission to make dementia care the highest priority as they finalise their deliberations.”

In NSW, Aged care provider, Bupa Care Services (BCS) is working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia to develop better treatment and management strategies for people with dementia.

“65% of residents in Bupa homes currently have a diagnosis of dementia,” BCS managing director, Paul Gregersen said.

“Although everyone desires to stay in their own home, our research reveals that caring for someone with dementia can be an overwhelming burden on the family. We hope the Government gives priority to funding dementia specific aged care to meet the needs of our ageing population,” he said.

The report shows the numbers of additional aged care services that will be required across the states and territories, as well as Commonwealth Electoral Divisions and Aged Care Planning Regions. It is available at www.alzheimers.org.au