Baby boomers want choice

Baby boomers will want greater choice when they require aged care, the CEO of National Seniors told delegates at Catholic Health Australia’s National Conference in Hobart.

Mr O’Neill noted that throughout their lives, the boomers have changed the world and when their time comes, they will cause change in aged care.

He said many baby boomers wish to remain in their own homes, receiving formal care.

“With more older people living at home, and with fewer family members taking on carer roles, the need for formal in-home care is set to rise,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Recipients of community care want to retain some independence, with 80 per cent of baby boomers stating they want to live independently for as long as possible. “

Research indicates that baby boomers will move into high care at a later age than previous generations.

“Around half of baby boomers report their biggest fear about ageing is to ‘have to live in an aged care home against my choice’,” said Mr O’Neill.

He said future aged care would have to cater to more people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and higher morbidity rates.

“The aged care industry needs to listen to the needs of baby boomers now in order to plan accordingly to create appropriate aged care for the future,” he said.