The NSW Government will introduce a $28 million pilot program to help older patients leave hospital sooner while they wait for Commonwealth-funded aged care services.
The program will provide temporary support at home for patients who are medically ready to be discharged but cannot yet access an appropriate aged care package.
Support While Patients Wait for Aged Care
The interim service may include wound care, symptom management, personal care, domestic assistance, assistive technology and home modifications.
The pilot is expected to support more than 300 patients each year and forms part of NSW’s broader $35.7 million Aged Care Response Package.
Its aim is to allow suitable patients to recover safely at home rather than remain in hospital while waiting for longer-term Commonwealth support.
Report Warns of Growing Discharge Delays
The announcement follows a new NSW Productivity and Equality Commission report examining older patients who remain in public hospitals despite being clinically ready for discharge.
The Commission estimates there are currently around 1,100 older patients in this situation across NSW and warns that the figure could rise to more than 7,000 by 2036 if aged care supply does not keep pace with demand.
The report says shortages in residential aged care places and delays accessing home-based aged care are contributing to longer hospital stays.
Commonwealth Remains Responsible for Aged Care
The Commission also cautioned that NSW measures should complement, rather than replace, the Commonwealth’s responsibility for funding and regulating aged care.
It estimates NSW would need around 2,600 additional residential aged care places each year to meet projected demand, while current growth is substantially below that level.
The NSW Government says it will continue working with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions on hospital discharge and aged care capacity.
For now, the new pilot is intended as a temporary bridge for patients who can safely return home but are still waiting for longer-term aged care support.
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