The peak body has included a retirement village proposal in its Pre-Budget submission to the Australian Government.
It is seeking $2.5 million to fund a three-month pilot of integration of hospital in the home in eight retirement villages.
“Innovative models of care, such as Hospital In The Home, are needed to meet the changing needs and preferences of the ageing population. HITH involves patients receiving hospital-level acute care in their home where it is safe and appropriate for their condition,” said Ageing Australia in its submission.
“The HITH model aligns with the preferences of older Australians, many of whom would prefer to remain in their homes. HITH has been shown to have several benefits, including enhancing quality of life, whilst reducing the risk of hospital acquired infections and readmissions. As it does not rely on inpatient beds, HITH is also more cost-effective compared to traditional hospital care.
“Investing in a pilot will enable the Federal and State Governments, along with the sector, to explore the possibility of extending HITH into retirement living, a key source of seniors housing. A pilot will help to develop a better understanding of how this model could benefit older Australians, as well as any potential risks and/or implementation challenges which would need to be addressed before adopting the model more widely”.
