Aged Care Services
The Commonwealth Department of Health has invited Shelter WA to participate in a review of aged care services for older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The review will analyse current practice to identify options for government to;
- Address barriers so as to improve access to, and service provision of, aged care services (including support to remain at home) for older and prematurely aged Australians who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
- Target appropriate funding levels and distribution to align with current and projected demand for services including options for alternate funding and service delivery models that align with current and projected demand for services across acute, community and residential settings; and
- Build better connections and streamline processes with other sectors, initiatives and supports including housing, disability, prisons, mental health and primary health to support joined-up provision of services.
Implications of COVID-19
The review is also looking at the potential implications of COVID-19 on demand for services due to a potential increase in unemployment and mental health conditions amongst older Australians, and subsequent longer-term implications for homelessness.
Shelter WA will work in partnership with the WA Alliance to End Homelessness, the sector and National Shelter on a response to the review which is due at the beginning of December.
