Silverchain has issued a stark warning that the Federal Government’s delay in its aged care reforms is having a tangible and severe impact on older Australians. In a submission to a Senate inquiry, the organisation highlighted how escalating wait times for home care are leading to unnecessary hospitalisations and placing immense pressure on families.
Speaking at the inquiry, Silverchain Executive Director Carolyn Bell said that while the decision to defer the new Aged Care Act was “essential” to ensure proper implementation, it has created a critical gap in care. “The delay has brought mixed implications for older people and their aged care providers – our care teams,” Bell said. “We strongly recommend the package release is front loaded to 1 November, or released earlier, to address current wait times.”
Silverchain’s submission outlined several real-world examples of how delays are affecting vulnerable people. The provider cited cases like Claire, an 80-year-old with complex health needs who waited almost a year for a care package upgrade, forcing her to move in with her daughter and creating significant family strain. Similarly, Linda, in her 70s, is “making do with insufficient entry-level services, leading to a decline in her health and increased isolation.”
These are not isolated incidents, according to Bell, who revealed the direct link between delayed care and declining health. “Our data shows a steady increase in hospitalisations for our CHSP clients, many of which could have been avoided with timely access to the increased support and care management available under a Home Care Package,” she said.
Bell added that the sector needs clarity from the government to deliver care confidently. She stressed that while the new Act rightly recognises the home as the preferred place to age, its success hinges on adequate funding and accessibility. “If the funding and wait times do not keep pace with demand, the scheme will be restrictive, and tens of thousands of people with genuine need for support will not be able to access it,” she concluded, calling for a “multipartisan commitment to ensure timely, equitable access to care.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
