A recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shed light on the relationship between hospital stays, residential aged care, and hospital readmissions for Australians living with dementia.
The report found that individuals with dementia who transitioned into residential aged care following a hospital stay were significantly less likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 12 months.
Specifically, only 38% of those who moved into aged care were readmitted, compared to 62% of those who remained in the community.
This research highlights the importance of appropriate care transitions for individuals with dementia, as well as the potential benefits of residential aged care in reducing hospital readmissions. By understanding these trends, healthcare providers can better support individuals with dementia and improve their overall quality of life.
They were also less likely to have an emergency department presentation at 50% compared to 63%.
According to AIHW spokesperson Louise Gates, the report is crucial, particularly with the increasing aging population – Dementia is a significant and escalating health and aged care concern in Australia, with a profound impact on the health and quality of life of individuals with the condition, as well as their loved ones.
As dementia progresses, the care needs of individuals with dementia also increase, often leading to a transition into residential aged care for ongoing support or a change in facilities as care requirements evolve.
Having a comprehensive understanding of how individuals with dementia navigate health services and transition between hospitals and residential aged-care facilities is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our healthcare and aged-care systems.
Currently, over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia, a number projected to increase to 900,000 within the next 25 years.
The recent Intergenerational Report 2023 (treasury.gov.au) Intergenerational Report suggests that Australia’s older population is expected to triple in the coming years. This demographic shift highlights the urgent need for improved support and services for individuals with dementia as they access healthcare and aged care facilities.
Ms. Gates reported that 23% of individuals who resided in the community before being hospitalized transitioned to residential aged care within one week of discharge.
This percentage rose to 33% at three months post-hospitalization and further increased to 37% at the 12-month mark.