The third and final target set by the Federal Government aimed at getting younger Australians out of residential aged care appears unlikely to be met.
In late 2019, the Government introduced three targets in response to a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety:
- no people under the age of 65 entering residential aged care by 1 January 2022;
- no people under the age of 45 living in residential aged care by 1 January 2022; and
- no people under the age of 65 living in residential aged care by 1 January 2025.
The first two targets have not been achieved, and with 1,161 people under the age of 65 living in residential aged care as of 30 September 2024, according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Though there are nearly 500 fewer younger residents than there were the year prior, there are still about 50 entering every quarter.
The Final Report of the Royal Commission said residential aged care is "inherently unsuitable" for younger people, who experience "isolation, desperation and loneliness" in that environment.
The Commission said State and Federal Governments should provide funding to social housing providers to build suitable accommodation for these people.
