- Western Australia's first Older Adult Health Hub opens in Cockburn
- New community-based care model to improve access for older Western Australians
- First of three hubs delivering on a $24.3 million Cook Government election commitment
- Cook Government ensuring all Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, when they need it
The Cook Government is delivering on its $24.3 million election commitment to establish three hubs across metropolitan Perth, aimed at improving access to co-ordinated, multidisciplinary healthcare closer to home.
The Older Adult Health Hub in Cockburn is the first of this new model of community-based care facilities designed to support older Western Australians to live well at home and in their communities.
Located within the Cockburn Health and Community Facility, the hub is co-located with general practice, pathology, medical imaging, and other community services, making it easier for older people to access the care they need.
In December last year, the first phase of the Older Adult Health Hub began taking referrals and bringing together a multidisciplinary team to co-ordinate assessments, treatments, and referral pathways and providing a wide range of services in one location
Services include comprehensive geriatric assessments, physiotherapy, nursing, medication management, dietetics, memory and cognition support, and links to community and social services.
The hub will work alongside existing health services and community and older adult programs to enhance social wellbeing and improve access to holistic, community-based care.
The hubs are expected to support earlier social and clinical interventions, helping older Western Australians stay healthier and independent in their own homes and communities.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The Older Adult Health Hub is an innovative model of care, designed to strengthen community-based, accessible services for older Western Australians.
"By 2036, it's predicted that one in five people living in WA will be aged 65 and over.
"These hubs represent an important shift in how care is delivered, and by investing in new ways to care for our elderly, we hope to improve how the broader healthcare system works for all Western Australians.
"We will continue to evaluate how the hubs are operating to ensure older people and their families can access the care they need, when they need it."
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
"These hubs will offer comprehensive services for older adults with chronic or complex conditions, enabling them to remain well in the community and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations.
"The hubs will include a range of clinical services and assistance for families navigating aged care services.
"This innovative model of healthcare will strengthen community-based, accessible care for older Western Australians."
As stated by Cockburn MLA David Scaife:
"This hub is a significant boost for community-based care for our older residents.
"Not only will it help the Cockburn community and our neighbours to access early interventions to keep them well at home, but it will also make it easier for residents to navigate the system so they can get the care they need with ease."
