New directions in centre-based aged care in Australia: Responding to changing funding models and the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Centre-based aged care services are a key site of early intervention and support for people with dementia and their carers. This paper examines the impact of new aged care funding structures on centre-based aged care service accessibility and delivery. It also examines the challenges and opportunities for change facing the sector in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with 29 managers or supervisors of centre-based aged care services in Greater Sydney. RESULTS: The analysis reinforced the essential role of centre-based aged care services in improving the cognitive, physical and psychological health of older people with dementia and their carers. However, the changing funding context and the COVID-19 pandemic have created challenges in access to centre-based services, particularly for the most vulnerable. The challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic also opened opportunities for the introduction of new models of service practice to meet the individual needs of older people and their carers. CONCLUSIONS: Greater investment in, and flexibility in the funding for, centre-based aged care services is needed to facilitate access for people with dementia and their carers and improve their health and well-being.