The Albanese government has recently unveiled its inaugural Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, outlines a comprehensive five-year plan designed to establish a digitally integrated aged care system that enhances the autonomy of elderly individuals and enhances the digital proficiency of the sector.
The primary objective of this strategy is to uphold the principle of choice while harnessing the power of technology to improve the accessibility and efficiency of in-person and face-to-face services within the aged care industry.
From October 2022 to November 2023, the government collaborated with older individuals, care providers, technology companies, and industry organizations to craft a comprehensive strategy. Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, emphasized that the digital plan represents a significant advancement in the modernization and efficiency of the Australian aged care system.
“Digital transformation is essential in fulfilling the aged care objectives of the Albanese Government,” stated Ms. Wells. “By placing older individuals at the forefront, the Digital Strategy seeks to enhance the digital health literacy of seniors, empowering them with increased autonomy and options as they navigate the aging process.”
“Creating an optimal aged care system for older individuals in Australia requires a commitment to innovation and the utilization of available technologies in order to enhance the quality of care provided to seniors.
The current challenges of waitlists for residential aged care and limited access to Home Care Packages have prompted the government to take action to support aged care providers in managing demand and streamlining administrative processes. This will ultimately enable aged care staff to focus more on delivering direct care to those in need.
While preserving the autonomy and choice of older Australians is crucial, obstacles such as digital literacy and affordability must be addressed to ensure equitable access to quality care for all seniors.”
The strategy is based on four projected outcomes outlined by the Department of Health and Aged Care:
- Empowering older people and their support networks to navigate and actively participate in their care and well-being. This includes promoting healthy aging, independence, and choice, as well as creating simplified, user-friendly experiences.
- Digitally empowering aged care workers, service providers, and health professionals to provide higher quality and better-connected care. The goal is to maximize time for direct care and strengthen care connections.
- Sharing and reusing data securely to deliver a sustainable and continually improving aged care system. This involves improving security and access control, as well as optimizing data collection and utilization.
- Establishing modern data and digital foundations to underpin a collaborative, standards-based care system. This will help ensure a more efficient and effective aged care system overall.
The Strategy estimates that up to one-third of the time spent on administrative tasks can be saved by embedding digital technology into operations, increasing the digital capability of the aged care workforce, and introducing new policies on data sharing.
The Government has also released an action plan to demonstrate how the Strategy will be implemented.
“Designing the best-aged care system for older people in Australia means embracing innovation and the technologies available so we can continue to restore dignity to aged care.”
The Department’s Action Plan for the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy outlines how aged care providers, workers, researchers, peak bodies, and other sector stakeholders will deliver the strategy.