The Hon Anika Wells MP

Minister for Aged Care

Minister for Sport

Alison Byrnes MP

Member for Cunningham

2,000 older people in Australia will now be able to access the Transition Care Programme (TCP) over the next two years, with the Albanese Government today announcing a $40 million investment to extend current temporary TCP places beyond 30 June 2023.

The extension to 30 June 2025 will deliver 265 temporary TCP places across Australia – an uplift from the 230 places currently available.

This includes 35 places to address high demand in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven, helping to ease pressure on the Wollongong and Shoalhaven hospitals by enabling more people to transition to more appropriate supports.

The TCP is a flexible aged care program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and state/territory governments on a 75% Commonwealth and 25% state basis.

The program provides short-term therapy focused care and support services (such as low intensity therapy and nursing support) to older people in Australia for up to 12 weeks following discharge from hospital.

These temporary places will help improve the health and independence of older people after being hospitalised and assist them with their transition back into the community.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:

“We know that being discharged from hospital can be an incredibly vulnerable time for older people.”

“Through this investment in the Transition Care Programme, I’m proud to give older people peace of mind that support will continue to be there for them, where and when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:

“This investment will help to ease the pressure we have seen on our public hospitals for some time and ensure that the most vulnerable in our community will be able to get an appropriate level of care.”