$300m earmarked to care for the elderly outside hospital in Australia

Jun 30 2008

The Australian government has earmarked almost $300 million to free up public hospital beds and plans to achieve this by making it possible for frail, elderly people to move back into their homes.

The government says many sick elderly people are forced to remain in hospital or enter nursing homes prematurely and the move will free up beds for people with acute illnesses.

Justine Elliot the Minister for Ageing says the government is honouring its election pledge to provide transitional care for older people to help them go home from hospital rather than to a nursing home and promises that places will be available across Australia and in rural and regional areas.

The minister says more than 1,700 older Australians are expected to benefit from the program every year and it will shorten hospital waiting lists.

The funding will make available 228 new transitional care places and ensure help will be provided for elderly people in areas such as showering, transport, and medical appointments.

Ms Elliot said the new package would allow the elderly to recover their independence after a hospital stay and combat the widespread practice of leaving frail, elderly people taking up acute-care beds because they are unable to find nursing home accommodation or care for themselves properly at home.