High transition take-up in the west
Over 700 older Western Australians have participated in the transition care program since November 2007.
Over 700 Western Australians have taken part in the Commonwealth’s transition care program since the 2007 election.
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot revealed the information on a recent visit to Western Australia.
The purpose of transition care is to provide assistance and support to older people following a hospital stay and to prevent premature admission to residential aged care.
Transition places provide up to 12 weeks of care in the client’s own home or at a residential facility.
It provides low intensity therapy services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, speech therapy, nursing and personal care services.
Almost four out of five transition care participants from Western Australia in 2007-2008 improved or maintained their functioning.
“Transition care places change and improve the lives for older Australians,” said Mrs Elliot.
“We are helping Australia and Western Australia prepare for the challenges of the 21st century and our ageing population.”
Last year over 10,000 older Australians received transition care. Each funded place can be used by up to seven or eight different older Australians a year.
By mid-2012, when all 4,000 transition care places are fully operational, up to 30,000 older Australians will benefit from the program each year.
