Australia faces a looming crisis in healthcare delivery - characterised by a rapidly ageing population. The numbers of Australians aged over 65 will double in the next 20 years. In Victoria, the number of people aged over 65 has risen by over 80,000 in the past five years.
In Victoria, public health services run over 22 per cent of residential aged care services compared to the national average of 9 per cent. While this enables the provision of high level services to specific communities, it does require a high level of government oversight to ensure that service providers meet key performance indicators.
As the 'baby boomer' generation ages, they will expect their needs to be met through dynamic and flexible care models, rather than intransigent solutions that hamper independence. They expect to be fully informed of the options for care, including options for self-management.
For the VHA's members, this poses specific challenges in delivering competitive and viable services. The provision of these services through our public health system ensures that rural communities have equitable access to residential aged care, enabling individuals to age in place.
Some of the challenges we face include:
- Working towards better planning and coordination
- Strengthening the aged care workforce and
- Increasing care in community settings
