Historical Trends of Home Care Package Use for Older People in Australia, 2008–2021

The global population is aging, and the health and social care needs of older people become increasingly complex. The diverse demographic, along with an increased preference of aging in place, has altered the demand and provision of long-term aged care services, both in quantity and type. In Australia, long-term aged care services can be delivered at home through the Australian Government Home Care Package (HCP) Program,1 or in nursing homes (also known as aged care facilities2). The HCP program was introduced in August 2013, consolidating 3 types of community-based care packages that operated since 1985.