Independence, well-being and quality of life at centre of State Aged Care Plan

26/6/03
Health Minister Bob Kucera has released the State Aged Care Plan 2003-2008, providing a blueprint for the development of future health and aged care services in Western Australia.
Mr Kucera said the Government was fixing the health system and, in planning for future growth, recognised the growing number of older people in the community would have a significant impact on the demand for services.
In 2001, more than 205,000 - or 10.7 per cent of the population - was aged 65 and over.
By 2011, that projected figure will reach more than 277,000.
"In February last year, the WA Aged Care Advisory Council was convened to develop an aged care plan for the State's ongoing involvement in the health and related aged care needs of older people," Mr Kucera said.
"They examined the drivers for change in aged care, consulted widely and identified key themes for change."
The Minister said the primary goal and objective of the Aged Care Plan was to ensure older people maintained independence, well-being and quality of life.
He said the advisory council would now move to develop a number of action plans, with dementia being targeted first.
In WA it is estimated there are close to 17,000 people aged 60 and over who have a moderate or severe dementia condition.
Mr Kucera said the State Aged Care Plan was easy to read, concise and very
user-friendly for consumers and professionals.
It will be available at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/publications from Monday, June 30.
Minister's Office - 9213 7000