Back in August, we made a formal submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, highlight the ongoing delays in the release of Home Care Packages and the impact this is having on older Australians and their families. These delays can create real challenges for people waiting for care, from increased stress to gaps in support at home.
We’ve shared our insights, evidence, and recommendations in the submission to help inform better policy and faster action.
Since the submission, the Federal Government has released 20,000 home care packages, prior to the 1 November timeframe originally indicated. While these packages will help 20,000 people access the care they need, it pales in comparison to the true need in community and does little to address the increasing timeframes for older Australian to both be assessed for aged care support and access a home care package.
We’ll continue monitoring the situation and sharing updates as they come, because everyone deserves timely access to the care they need.