Australia’s ageing population is facing a critical shortfall in support, with tens of thousands of older Australians left waiting for crucial in-home care. Despite repeated promises of reform, the latest figures reveal that some seniors are still facing waits of up to 15 months to receive the support they need to live safely and independently at home.
As of April 2025, the estimated wait times for medium-priority applicants, according to My Aged Care, are:
Level 1: 6–9 months
Level 2: 6–9 months
Level 3: 9–12 months
Level 4: 12–15 months
This backlog has left more than 81,000 older Australians stranded in a bureaucratic limbo, unable to access the care packages they have been assessed as needing. For many, these delays mean a slow, frustrating decline in quality of life, or even the need for premature admission to residential aged care.
“A Broken Promise”
The Federal Government has acknowledged the crisis, pledging to replace the current system with the Support at Home program from 1 July 2025. The new system aims to streamline care delivery, reduce red tape, and cut average wait times to three months by mid-2027. But for those currently waiting – many of whom are frail, isolated, or managing complex health conditions – this timeline is simply too long.
Critics argue that the planned reforms, while a step in the right direction, fall short of the immediate action required to address the current backlog.
“It’s unacceptable that our most vulnerable are left waiting for over a year to receive the support they need,” says Sarah Thompson, a spokesperson for advocacy group Aged Care Now. “We hear daily from families struggling to fill the gap while their loved ones wait for their care package. It’s a crisis of dignity as much as it is a crisis of resources.”
Workforce Shortages and Budget Strains
Part of the problem lies in the aged care sector’s chronic workforce shortages. Despite significant funding boosts in recent years, many providers are struggling to find and retain staff, making it difficult to meet demand even when packages are approved.
“Throwing money at the problem isn’t enough if we don’t have the people on the ground to deliver the care,” Thompson adds.
The backlog has also been fueled by a surge in demand, as more Australians choose to age at home rather than in institutional care. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the proportion of older Australians choosing home care has nearly doubled over the past decade, putting additional strain on an already stretched system.
A Call for Immediate Action
Advocates are now calling on the government to take urgent, interim steps to address the crisis. This includes releasing more packages, increasing pay and support for care workers, and streamlining the assessment process to ensure those in greatest need are not left waiting.
“We need to do more than just promise future reforms – we need action now,” says Thompson. “Our older Australians deserve better.”
As the government prepares to roll out its long-term plan, thousands of families will be hoping that these reforms can finally deliver on their promise of a fair, timely, and compassionate aged care system.
