Clients accessing services in 2 non-consecutive years
Of the 86,400 older clients accessing SHS services between 2013–14 and 2017–18, 3,600 (4%) clients received services in 2 non-consecutive years; the smallest of the service use groups (Figure 13). These clients received a median of 37 days of support and an average of 11 nights of accommodation. There was a higher proportion of females (58%) than males (42%) in this client group, though the service use intensity for males was higher. Males received a median of 41 days of support and an average of 16 nights of accommodation compared with females who received 34 days of support and 7 nights of accommodation.
Figures for this client group can be found in the section 'All clients between 2013–14 to 2017–18'.
Age profile
Of older SHS clients receiving services in 2 non-consecutive years between 2013–14 and 2017–18, most were aged 55–64 (68%); a further 24% were aged 65–74 and 8% were aged 75 and over. The clients aged 55–64 had a higher median number of days of support (38) and average number of nights of accommodation (13) than the other age groups (Figure 13).
State/territory
Most of the 3,600 older SHS clients who accessed services in 2 non-consecutive years between 2013–14 and 2017–18 did so in Victoria (59%), followed by New South Wales (16%) (Figure 14).
Vulnerability
Of the 3,600 older SHS clients who accessed services in 2 non-consecutive years, almost two-thirds (63%) of clients reported experiencing one or more vulnerabilities (mental health issues, family and domestic violence and/or problematic drug/alcohol use) while 37% did not ever report any (Figure 15). Mental health issues only were reported by 22% of clients and 2% ever reported experiencing all 3 vulnerabilities.
Disability
Of the 6,500 total older clients who reported that they always or sometimes needed assistance with self-care, mobility and communication, around 5% received services in 2 non-consecutive years between 2013–14 and 2017–18 (Figure 16). Older SHS clients who received services in 2 non-consecutive years were less likely to have a recorded disability than the other service use intensity groups examined.