A National Centre for Healthy Ageing-led review, carried out in partnership with Monash University, has spotlighted the challenges faced by older care leavers, sometimes referred to as “forgotten Australians.” With more than 500,000 individuals in this group now transitioning into the aged care system, the study calls for trauma-informed policies and practices to address their unique vulnerabilities.
Published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, the review was authored by Professor Philip Mendes, Associate Professor Susan Baidawi, Lena Turnbull and Sarah Morris from Monash University’s Department of Social Work. It highlights the fears and anxieties older care leavers associate with traditional aged care facilities—environments that can mirror the out-of-home care settings of their childhood.
“Older care leavers who spent their childhoods in institutional and other forms of out-of-home care are a vulnerable group,” Professor Mendes said.
“Our narrative review of existing local and international literature identified that most of this cohort prefer to remain at home, assisted by services that respect their autonomy and personal history.
“Aged care services need to adopt trauma-informed approaches to meet their needs and advance their wellbeing and dignity in aged care settings.”
According to the review, many of these individuals dread the idea of returning to an institutional setting. Specific triggers—such as corridors reminiscent of childhood homes, certain smells, and group living arrangements—can cause distress and erode trust. Workforce factors, including high staff turnover and varying skill levels, further complicate efforts to provide consistent, empathetic care.
“For older Australians who grew up in childhood institutions, their past experiences of trauma in these settings can deeply influence how they perceive and interact with other institutions – in this case, aged care services,” Lena Turnbull said.
“Trauma-informed care recognises and responds to these traumatic experiences, ensuring that care environments are safe, supportive and respectful. It shapes how services look and feel and how staff behave, in an attempt to build trust, reduce re-traumatisation and provide the tailored support needed to meet the unique emotional and psychological needs of this vulnerable group.”
“The existing literature emphasises the necessity for care leavers to be provided with additional, flexible funding to facilitate their ability to continue living at home. This alongside the need for sustained access to counseling and specialised services and the support of an advocate or guide to aid in their navigation of aged care support systems is important.”
Advocates hope the review’s findings will inform future policymaking and funding decisions. By understanding older care leavers’ apprehensions around institutional care, the sector can develop strategies that prioritize home-based support, respect personal histories, and implement trauma-informed training for workers—ultimately providing a more caring and dignified system for some of Australia’s most vulnerable seniors.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
