Residential
Aged Care

The North Coast has higher rates of aged care service use than NSW and Australia overall, reflecting the region’s growing older population and increasing demand for care. In 2022–23, there were 78 residential aged care homes across the region, with around 40 people living in residential care for every 1,000 people aged 65 and over. Access and demand vary across the region, with some communities experiencing greater challenges accessing primary care, specialist services and other health support.

For people living in residential aged care, timely access to quality health care is important for maintaining health, wellbeing and quality of life. Residents often have complex and changing health needs that require strong connections between residential aged care homes, general practice, hospitals, allied health and other health services.
Healthy North Coast works with residential aged care homes, general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, hospitals, allied health providers and other health partners to strengthen these connections and improve access to care for residents across the North Coast.

Our work focuses on improving access to primary and specialist care, strengthening workforce capability, supporting virtual care and digital health, and improving coordination when a resident’s health needs change. We also support better access to areas such as mental health, palliative and after-hours care.

Through commissioned services, locally designed initiatives, technology and workforce support, we are helping residential aged care homes connect residents with the right care earlier and closer to where they live. This supports more coordinated care, helps reduce avoidable hospital transfers and emergency department presentations, and improves health and wellbeing for people living in residential aged care.

Guided by the Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023–2027 and insights from our Health Needs Assessment, we use local evidence to understand the needs of older people, identify gaps in care and inform how we plan, commission and support services across the North Coast. Working with health professionals, aged care providers and community partners, we aim to improve access to care, strengthen the workforce, support innovation and respond to the changing needs of our ageing population.

Healthly Ageing Strategy   

The Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023–2027 provides the framework for improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the North Coast. Developed through research, systems modelling, community consultation and co-design, the Strategy guides investment, partnerships and service planning to support healthier ageing across the life course.  

The Strategy focuses on four priorities: 

• Improving lives now 

• Securing a healthier future 

• Working together as one health system 

• Ensuring no one is left behind 

Together, these priorities support integrated care, prevention, digital innovation, workforce development and stronger partnerships that enable older people to live well and age well.