Wednesday 13 November 2024
MEDIA RELEASE
RLC welcomes Govt pledge to deliver “quality care more efficiently”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has signalled the delivery of “quality care more efficiently” for older Australians, an initiative that has been welcomed by the Retirement Living Council (RLC).
Dr Chalmers made the announcement on Wednesday, telling Australian Business Economists in Sydney that it is crucial older Australians are provided with care services at home “as our population ages and the care economy expands”.
The Treasurer also flagged a Productivity Commission inquiry into this strategic pillar next year.
Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council, Daniel Gannon, welcomed the announcement and said serious changes are needed to support ageing Australians.
“We know the number of Australians aged over 75 is set to grow by 85 per cent by 2040, which means we must act now to ensure older Australians are living independently for as long as possible,” Mr Gannon said.
“As our nation’s population continues to age and as healthcare systems continue to face unprecedented demand, we need unprecedented policy responses from government.
“This year’s federal budget saw a $531.4 million increase to Commonwealth Home Care Packages to reduce the almost 80,000-person backlog at a time when more people are needing more care.
“Retirement living communities already offer a huge opportunity to improve health outcomes across the country and can deliver these benefits to residents in age-friendly villages.”
Mr Gannon added the RLC’s Shared Care framework can deliver greater efficiencies for consumers, government, and care providers.
“If the Treasurer wants care delivered efficiently, our Shared Care plan can do it,” Mr Gannon said.
The framework provides three models for retirement village operators to deliver community-based care services under the Support at Home program within the village setting, either independently or through a delivery partner.
Importantly, savings to consumers and taxpayers can be achieved with no cost to government, modelling shows.
“Our report is the blueprint for government to deliver home care that’s up to 20 per cent more efficient. Ultimately that means older Australians will receive more care per dollar invested and these efficiencies will save the taxpayers up to $100 million per year,” Mr Gannon said.
Retirement villages would be able to provide scale for delivering Shared Care services efficiently and cost-effectively by reducing travel costs incurred by service providers.
“This would also increase the frequency of service delivery which can enhance the quality of services already in place at these residential communities,” he said.
ENDS
Media contact: Ben Harvy| 0430 306 424 | [email protected]