The number of Community Aged Care Packages provided to older
Australians who might otherwise be eligible for low-level
residential aged care continues to increase, says the latest report
from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Community Aged Care Packages in Australia 2003-04: A
Statistical Overview reports that there were 29,063 Community
Aged Care Packages at the end of the 2003-04 financial year, an
increase of 1,182 packages from the previous year.
This equates to 15.6 packages per 1,000 people aged 70 years and
over at 30 June 2004, compared to 15.3 a year earlier.
Ann Peut, Head of the AIHW's Ageing and Aged Care Unit, said the
total number of Community Aged Care Packages had risen each year
since the program was introduced by the Australian Government in
1992 to provide assistance for frail or disabled older people so
they could continue living within the community.
'Packages are filling a need in the community because take-up is
very high,' Ms Peut said.
In the year to 30 June 2004, there were 14,425 admissions to
Community Aged Care Packages and 13,357 separations.
'Among those who stopped using a package during that period, 48%
of care recipients reported leaving to go to a residential aged
care service and 19% died,' Ms Peut said.
The majority (60%) of care package recipients at 30 June 2004
were aged 80 years and over. Those aged 90 years and over accounted
for 14% of recipients. Female care recipients outnumbered male
recipients by more than two to one.
Among recipients who had their living arrangements reported, 52%
lived alone, and 38% lived with family.
Ms Peut said the growth in the number of Community Aged Care
Packages was consistent with the wishes of many older Australians,
who, although needing some care and support, preferred to remain
living in the community.
'In addition, the relatively new Extended Aged Care at Home
(EACH) program is an ongoing element in the delivery of aged care
services. The program complements Community Aged Care Packages and
is designed to provide assistance to people living in the community
who would be eligible for high level residential aged care.'
27 July 2005
Further information: Ann Peut, AIHW, tel. 02
6244 1108 or mobile 0419 296 053.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel 61 2 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of the Community Aged Care
Packages in Australia 2003-04: A Statistical Overview.