More than 500,000 frail and elderly Australians will be living alone without the care of family or friends within the next 30 years, a study has found.
The study of Australia’s ageing population by the National Centre of Social and Economic Modelling, a research department of the University of Canberra, found that by 2031 only 35 unpaid principal carers would be available for every 100 older Australians needing care.
This figure was down 40 per cent from 2001, when 57 carers were available per 100 older persons.
The study, which was funded by philanthropic group The Myer Foundation as part of a $1 million aged care project, found less carers per elderly person could lead to an increase in demand for residential care as older people found they had no one available to care for them at home.
It could also escalate demand for community care services, the study found.
Baillieu Myer, a patron of The Myer Foundation and son of the late Sidney Myer, said he hoped the study into the country’s ageing project would assist discussion on the issue.
« However, as the independent research concludes, it takes more than a report to alter policy and further action is required, » Mr Myer said.
He encouraged policymakers and politicians to focus on providing adequate community care services and to resolve issues around the funding and administration of residential care.
