Hall & Prior and Sister Kate's are one step closer to open Western Australia's first Aboriginal health and aged care facility after a panel approved the multi-million-dollar proposal.
Amid major national policy changes and a struggling system facing rising pressures, leaders in aged care came together to address the future of the sector.
Nearly 70 Western Australians were recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list this year, with three appointed Officers of the Order of Australia for their distinguished service.
The Aged Care Bill 2024 has been introduced to federal parliament, proposing a $5.6 billion reform package, improved home care support, new elderly protection laws and increased funding.
The Western Australian Planning Commission has approved Hall & Prior's $90 million application to build an aged care facility on the former Woodside Hospital site.
Driving equitable, flexible funding in Western Australia's aged care sector is an emerging focal point for providers, alongside tackling the persistent workforce shortage.
An incentive program to encourage vaccination providers to give aged care workers the jab has been released, while a WA aged care provider has organised its own in-house vaccinations.
Hall & Prior has expanded its services to the South West with the acquisition of a 21-year lease from the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup to manage aged care home Tuia Lodge.
The aged care workforce will need to grow by 60 per cent in the next decade to meet demand, according to a report launched at a Business News breakfast this morning.
The royal commission and the pandemic have not stemmed the pipeline of aged care developments but they could have a lasting impact on how care is delivered.
Aged care and retirement living service providers are pushing ahead with property developments, but say COVID-19 could have a lasting impact on the sector.
SPECIAL REPORT: WA is continuing to boast a strong aged care development pipeline, and the completion of multiple major developments has meant an increase in bed numbers for some providers.
A wave of investment in the WA aged care sector has continued, with Southern Plus opening a luxury care facility in the same week as Hall & Prior announced it would proceed with a $60 million redevelopment.
Broad Construction has commenced building works at Hall & Prior's $90 million planned community Karingal Green, a new aged care precinct set to provide 160 beds, health and wellness hubs, as well as research and training facilities.
The successful ASX listing this week of Regis Healthcare has focused attention on the value of other players in the sector, with Western Australia's largest being Aegis Aged Care Group.
