Capecare in Busselton has been announced as the first regional location for the Western Australian Government’s Time to Think program, expanding the initiative into the South West and improving transition support for older people following hospital stays.
The Time to Think program offers older Western Australians extra time and tailored support to plan their next steps after leaving the hospital, helping to alleviate pressure on public hospitals while ensuring individuals can make informed decisions about their longer-term care.
Western Australia’s Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Simone McGurk, said the introduction of the program’s first beds in the South West marked a significant milestone for regional access.
“Having Time to Think available in Busselton means more older Western Australians in regional communities can benefit from this valuable support, while also helping to free up hospital beds,” she said.
Eighteen beds at Capecare’s Busselton campus have now been added to the program, bringing the total number of Time to Think places across Western Australia to 87. The program was launched in May this year.
Capecare Chief Executive Officer Tim Nayton said the organisation was building on its experience delivering a successful hospital transition pilot program.
“We’ve seen first-hand the value of supporting local hospitals and individuals as they plan longer-term care arrangements. Clients are supported with reablement and placement coordination, enabling them to choose the most appropriate next step, whether that’s residential aged care or a return home to the community.”
The program is designed to play a role in the broader healthcare system, particularly in the South West, where hospital beds are in short supply.
“As a regionally based aged care provider, supporting the community has been at the heart of what we do for almost 65 years, and this program is a natural extension of that work,” Mr Nayton added.
