Current models in aged care are unsustainable and inequitable, says the CEO of home care provider integratedliving – could integrating aged care more fully into the healthcare sector be the solution?
Australia will not achieve the vision of a sustainable aged care sector within the next three years unless there are significant changes to the ways in which the Government considers expanding access to primary care and greater access to Medicare, and providers reimagine their business, operating, and care models, according to Catherine Daley.
At a Government level, the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) 2020-2025 between the Australian Government and all States and Territories commit to improving health outcomes for Australians by providing ‘better coordinated and joined up care in the community and ensuring the future sustainability of Australia’s health system’.
The reforms focus on health literacy, prevention and wellbeing, flexible ways for Government to pay for value and outcomes, joint planning and funding at a local level, enhanced health data and cohesive health technology.
Catherine says it has been positive to see the Strengthening Medicare changes and the release of the National Digital Health Strategy and there is an opportunity for more of these services to occur within a community setting.