The provision of an extra 60 Transition Care Program (TCP) beds in Perth will help alleviate pressure on public hospitals and provide additional care options for older members of the community.
Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the beds, located at Juniper Charles Jenkins Transition Care in Bentley, were funded under the Commonwealth-State Transition Care Program initiative.
“These new places will make a significant difference, helping ensure people can receive the support and care they need,” Minister Wyatt said.
“Giving older Australians more care choices is a high priority for the Turnbull Government and I am pleased to announce that the Commonwealth is providing two-thirds of the funding for these beds.”
The beds provide an alternative care option for frail, older patients who are unable or not ready to return home, but no longer require hospital-level care – freeing up high-cost public hospital beds for the patients who are acutely unwell.
Western Australian Health Minister Roger Cook said the TCP places gave older people more time to recuperate after hospital and plan for their long-term living arrangements.
During their stay at a TCP facility, clients receive care from experienced and accredited aged-care providers, including health and allied health professionals.
“As a Government, we are committed to reducing the costs of the public health system,” Minister Cook said.
“These 60 Transition Care Program places provide a better alternative, and ensure that older members of our community can receive the most appropriate care for their needs, in the most appropriate facility.
“I am pleased to officially open these beds and would like to recognise the contribution of the Commonwealth, who under a Commonwealth-State agreement, provide 66 per cent of the funding for the beds.
“I also recognise the commitment of Juniper, who have worked tirelessly to refurbish their Bentley facility to ensure these beds are available before the peak flu season, when we see the demand for hospital beds at their peak.”
The much-needed places take Western Australia’s total TCP tally from 346 to 406, and will reduce pressure on hospital beds, particularly in the East Metropolitan Health Service area.
Juniper was the successful applicant for the public tender, and has an established record of providing quality aged-care services in Western Australia, including for similar transitional beds (previously referred to as Care Awaiting Placement).
These places, which are already being utilised, will have a positive impact on the public health system and the provision of care to older Western Australians.