Australia has introduced its first Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy, emphasizing the transformative power of data and digital technol- ogies to enhance care and well-being for the elderly. This strategy focuses on preserving personal choice while making in-person services more accessible and efficient through technology.
A key component of the strategy is better use of aged care data, which aims to reduce administrative burdens for workers and service providers. This allows more time for direct, person-centered care. The strategy also includes developing AI systems for aged care, designed to protect privacy while improving service delivery.
The Strategy aims to achieve four key outcomes:
- Assist older adults and their support systems in managing and participat- ing in their care.
- Digitally empower aged care workers and professionals to offer higher quality, more connected care.
- Facilitate data sharing to create a sustainable, continuously improving aged care system.
Establish modern data and digital foundations for a collaborative, stan- dards-based care system.
By integrating digital technology, the strategy aims to save up to one-third of administrative time, enhance workforce digital skills, and introduce new data-sharing policies.
A detailed action plan will guide the strategy's implementation, with regular updates on progress and new activities. The Albanese Government will collaborate with state and territory health departments and other Commonwealth agencies to integrate aged care with health, disability support, and veterans’ care.
The Minister for Aged Care highlighted the Digital Strategy's role in boosting the digital health literacy of older individuals, granting them great- er choice and independence. The strategy’s vision includes short-term goals of enhancing service efficiency and long-term goals of establishing robust digital infrastructures to keep the aged care sector adaptive and resilient.
Australia’s Department of Health and Aged Care is committed to trans- forming aged care with modern technologies, aiming to deliver the high- est quality person-centered care for older people. They support research to ensure safe and effective use of data and technology for patients and healthcare professionals.
With more older Australians accessing care than ever before, valued at AU$ 26.8 billion, the aged care sector is expected to grow by 5.5% annually over the next five years. By 2030-31, aged care is projected to account for 5% of total government spending
