A recent report by The Australian institute of Health and Welfare, seek Patterns in use of aged care: 2002-03 to 2010-11 has detailed the changes in the focus and provision of aged care services.

The study has found that: Over the study period, view the number of people aged 65 and over using aged care non-assessment services in a year increased by more than one-third, from 642,000 to 874,000.

The growth in the client numbers was greater than the growth in the population aged 65 and over and did not result just from relative increase in the numbers of very old people, the increase was due to greater use of community aged care programs.

This study has confirmed the government’s programmes to assist older people maintain their independence by residing in their own home for longer has been successful. The next step is ensuring the community aged care sector have the resources and skills to deal with the demand.

Aged Care Learning Solutions have over 65 community aged care specific learning activities that cover off on the mandatory continuing professional development standards.

For more information on the Patterns in use of aged care report: http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129548006