Australia’s population is ageing with 4.2 million people currently over the age of 65 accounting for 16% of the total Australian population with predictions that this could rise to 23% by 2066. Many senior Australians never access formal aged care services, however for those with high level need entry to a residential aged care facility for 24 hour care may be required. Following extensive review and criticism of Australia’s aged care system via the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety the residential aged care sector is undergoing significant transformation.
What does this mean for delivering palliative care in residential aged care in the future? This presentation will look at current patterns and trends in service provision in residential aged care and then discuss some of the key drivers of reform which will shape the future of palliative care for senior Australians. This will broadly cover workforce issues including shortages and aged care workers knowledge and confidence to deliver palliative care, the impact of the new funding arrangement (AN-ACC), removal of the aged care approvals round (ACCAR), the emergence of new models of care, introduction of a quality rating system and increased use of digital technology.