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Title
Actual and projected gaps in the provision of residential aged care in New South Wales, Australia
Author(s)
Publication Date
2022
Early Online Version
Abstract
<b>Objective.</b> The need for residential care services will grow significantly over the coming years as the general population in Australia continues to age. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of residential care services across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in relation to the current and predicted future aging population.<br/> <b>Method.</b> This study was a secondary data analysis. Existing datasets were compiled for analysis by creation of a temporal geodatabase, with predicted population data from 2019 to 2029 linked to corresponding geographic zones.<br/> <b>Results.</b> Demand for operational places was over capacity in 2019, at 101.5%. From 2019 to 2029, this will grow to 120.2% of 2019 capacity by 2024 and to 135.6% by 2029. An additional 25 800 operational places will be required by 2029 to meet targets. During the previous decade of 2008-18, operational places grew by only 11 502 places.<br/> <b>Conclusions.</b> NSW was not providing an adequate level of residential aged care and, under current allocations, this problem will worsen substantially over time, with flow-on impacts for the health sector. With aged care reform a current federal government focus, the results of this study may guide decisions that better support the provision of residential aged care.
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
Australian Health Review, 46(4), p. 398-404
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
2021-10-29
Place of Publication
Australia
ISSN
1449-8944
0156-5788
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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