Elderly Australians at high risk of poverty

With the population of elderly Australians continuing to rise and showing no sign of stopping in the near future, it's important to ensure this group is cared for and given the appropriate support.

These efforts are set to become even more crucial as a new study published by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) found over 2.5 million Australians were living in poverty in 2012, an increase over results in the same survey two years prior. Without appropriate control, this figure could spiral out of control.

What's more, the report found the elderly were one of the groups most likely to be living in poverty – something that needs to be changed.

The Australian governor general, Peter Cosgrove explained at Anti-Poverty Week in Sydney that the report revealed poverty to be "insidious and all-encompassing". He also outlined how poverty deprives Australians of their dignity.

The aged care sector could, however, provide an answer.

Appropriate care and granting choice

Aged care facilities stand as one of the best options for struggling elderly Australians, as these centres can provide a high level of care that ensures a decent standard of living.

Of course, not all elderly Australians will seek a basic level of care, and will desire a selection in terms of facility location, accommodation and types of food. This greater choice could be a deciding factor for many Australians on exactly what facility to enter.

Ensuring this choice is accounted for will certainly need to be a key focus of aged care providers over the next few years, along with appropriate management.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for success in the aged care industry today? Please contact us and let us know!