An Age-Friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy
The McGowan Government launched An Age-friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy 2023-2033, accompanied by the first five-year Action Plan (2023-2027) to set out a range of actions including a comprehensive campaign to tackle ageism in WA.
The Strategy guides whole of community actions and provides guidance to Government and the community, so that ‘Western Australian seniors feel valued, safe, and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.’ The Strategy has a strong focus to ensure that Seniors in WA have the opportunity to:
- thrive physically, mentally and spiritually
- live in safe and age-friendly communities
- stay connected and engaged
- have views that are heard.
State-wide consultation took place via face to face and online sessions, hardcopy feedback, online surveys and phone discussions, with particular effort to ensure First Nations seniors were able to provide feedback in a culturally appropriate way. The strategy was developed in partnership with 17 State Government agencies (including the Department of Communities), and the 5-year Action Plan will involve ongoing collaboration across the WA Government.
Housing
Seniors told the WA Government that physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing are central to a good life. In practice, this means having ready access to the right supports and services, with a focus on appropriate, affordable housing, and healthcare options close to where they live.
Housing runs across a couple of focus areas and outcomes,
- Housing: Seniors have access to suitable housing options.
- Staying in Place: Seniors have the support they need to stay in place.
Suitable Housing Options
Under the Strategy the The Department of Communities will identify current and future housing needs of seniors at home to inform updates to policy and commissioning practices.
The Department of Communities will identify the changing accommodation needs of seniors and implications for government policy and services, with a focus on:
- Communities housing policies
- availability of health services and in-home supports, with data support from the Department of Health
- commissioning strategies, policies, and practices.
Stay in Place Options
Under the Strategy the Department of Health will continue to scope and implement models of care to support independence at home and other appropriate settings, in line with Sustainable Health Review recommendations:
- Continue to work towards implementing models of care to support independence at home and other settings, in partnership with consumers, providers, primary care and the Australian Government.
The Strategy
Read The Seniors Strategy (2023-2033) and accompanying first five-year Action Plan (2023-2027).
