Aged Care Initiative Frees Up Hospital Beds
A compassionate nation-leading initiative aimed at giving older Western Australians the space and time they need to make informed decisions about their future care and living arrangements has just supported its first 100 patients.
Since its launch in May, the Cook Government’s ‘Time to Think’ program has helped older Western Australians leave hospital sooner.
Supported by a $9.9 million investment by the Cook Government over 2024 to 2026, the program offers a discharge pathway for older patients who need extra time to consider their long-term care options or are waiting for a place in their preferred aged care home.
The program has delivered 53 dedicated short-term aged care beds to date, with 11 additional ‘Time to Think’ beds opened at Hall & Prior’s High Wycombe facility this week.
These beds give older people the time to weigh their options, speak with family, and make informed decisions about their long-term care with dignity and comfort.
The program has already freed up more than 1,100 hospital bed days, improving outcomes for older patients while easing pressure on the health system.
With dedicated beds at multiple aged care homes across Perth, the program is expected to help ease pressure on hospitals and ensure older Western Australians receive care in a more home-like setting.
Dedicated beds are available at multiple aged care homes, including:
Older Western Australians in ‘Time to Think’ beds receive the same high standard of care as other aged care residents, along with extra support to explore and secure long-term care options.
The ‘Time to Think’ program is part of a broader commitment by the Cook Government to improve hospital transitions and aged care pathways in WA. Other key initiatives include:
The ‘Time to Think’ program is in partnership with the Australian Government and aged care providers.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“As of today, we have 11 additional beds in the Time to Think program, taking the total to 53.
“These Time to Think beds are just another way my government is working to give patients the time and space they need, in an appropriate setting, to make a decision about their care.
“As demonstrated by my recent trip to Canberra, my government is committed to working in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure seniors get the support they need to live a quality life.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring older Western Australians receive the care they need in the right setting.
“By providing dedicated ‘Time to Think’ beds, we are not only supporting patients in making informed decisions about their future care but also helping to alleviate pressure on our hospitals.
“We are continuing to work with the Commonwealth Government on initiatives to ease the transition from hospital to aged care, to ensure the best care and support for older Western Australians.”
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
“Older Western Australians deserve time to make informed decisions about their future care arrangements.
“This nation-leading program ensures they can transition comfortably out of hospital while still receiving the high-quality care they need.
“This initiative ensures older patients can access appropriate aged care support while freeing up beds for those who need them most.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Milestone-for-new-aged-care-initiative-freeing-up-hospital-beds–20250827