Utilisation of long term care services

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira

Nominated Member of Parliament

Question No. 1504

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the current capacity and utilisation rates of long-term care services such as nursing homes, centre-based care and home-based care, broken down by type of service as classified by the Agency for Integrated Care; and (b) whether these utilisation rates indicate unmet demand or under-utilisation; and (c) if so, what are the reasons for such unmet demand or under-utilisation.

Written Answer                                                 

1        The capacity of long term care services as at June 2019 was approximately 15,800 nursing home beds, 7,100 day care places, 9,500 home care places, and 6,100 home palliative care places.  The utilisation rates were about 85%, 52%, 54%, and 45% respectively.  These included all subsidised clients and private clients who were reported by providers.

2        The utilisation rates across the services show that there is sufficient long-term care capacity nationally.  We have expanded capacity over the years to ensure that the care needs of an ageing population across different settings are met.   We monitor capacity and take-up rate regularly and adjust our development plan accordingly to respond to changing care needs.