‘Stranded’ patients highlight urgent need for faster access to aged care and disability supports

Hospitals across Australia are under growing strain as thousands of people remain in limbo – medically ready to leave, but unable to because suitable aged care or disability supports are not yet in place.

A new report commissioned by state and territory treasurers has found up to one in ten public hospital beds are now occupied by patients waiting for discharge to residential aged care, specialist disability accommodation or home-based supports. The report, led by Professor Stephen Duckett for Create Health Advisory, identified four major pressures behind rising hospital costs: workforce shortages, high inflation, more complex patient needs and a lack of available community or disability placements.

The authors concluded these challenges “fall largely outside the control of states and territories,” urging the Commonwealth to take greater responsibility for ensuring timely access to aged care, NDIS and community services.

Behind the data are real families navigating a maze of assessments, funding approvals and provider waitlists, often while their loved one waits in a hospital bed.

The growing discharge dilemma

While workforce shortages and lack of housing play a role, one of the biggest causes of hospital delays is slow funding approvals. Many patients are “stranded” not because services don’t exist, but because funding or eligibility hasn’t yet been confirmed.

• For people under 65, this often means waiting for NDIS access or plan reviews to be processed before funded supports or accommodation can begin.
• For older Australians, it may involve delays in My Aged Care assessments or waiting for a Home Care Package or residential aged care place to become available.

In both systems, lengthy assessment times and limited provider capacity create a backlog that keeps people in hospital for weeks – or even months – after they’re ready to go home.

How to speed up NDIS access and funding

If you or someone you support is waiting in hospital for disability services or housing:

1. Start the NDIS access process early. You can apply for the NDIS through the hospital social work team or directly with the NDIA.
2. Request a plan review if needs have changed after illness or injury – note the discharge urgency. Ask for the review to be fast-tracked as an urgent hospital discharge.
3. Search for providers immediately. Use the Disability Support Guide directory to find NDIS providers, therapists or Supported Independent Living (SIL) services by suburb or postcode.
4. Look for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) options. Many providers offer short-term or transitional housing while permanent supports are arranged.
5. Explore early intervention or therapy supports that can begin while funding is finalised – some may be available through state programs or private funding.

Additional help is available in the NDIS plan review guide and Early Childhood Early Intervention information.

Finding aged care placement faster

For people over 65, starting the aged care process early can prevent extended hospital stays.

1. Book a My Aged Care assessment as soon as possible. Flag hospital discharge urgency – this can fast-track processing.
2. Search locally and widely using the Aged Care Guide directory to compare homes and check for current vacancies.
3. Ask about respite or Transition Care Program options, which can bridge the gap while permanent funding or placement is finalised.
4. Keep communication open with hospital discharge teams, ACAT assessors and providers to confirm dates and documents quickly.
   

For step-by-step support, see how to apply for aged care, aged care assessments explained and Transition Care.

Where to turn for immediate help

If you’re navigating the system on behalf of a family member or patient, the Disability Support Guide and Aged Care Guide offer practical tools to:

• Search and contact multiple providers directly.
• Compare services by location, funding type or support category.
• Access clear guides explaining assessments, funding and next steps.
  

Mentioning that the person is in hospital and awaiting discharge can help providers prioritise your enquiry and check for urgent or short-term vacancies.

Why faster access matters

Delays in discharge have a ripple effect – limiting hospital capacity, delaying new admissions and extending recovery times for patients stuck in the wrong environment. More importantly, they keep people from returning to independence, family life and community participation.

By taking proactive steps to start assessments early, follow up on funding approvals and use trusted search tools, families can help reduce waiting times and ensure their loved ones get the right support sooner.