The Meg Gilmartin Churchill Fellowship to examine international home care models and determine transfer-ability to Tasmanian aged care

Tasmania has the oldest population in Australia with 19.4% of the population aged 65 years or more. Our sector is built on traditional healthcare models where institutionalisation is normalised as part of the aging process. Whilst some industry reform is evident, understanding international models of home care services can assist in designing our future. The existing Tasmania aged care models are disconnected from each other and seen as separate businesses. Against the backdrop of a declining workforce and the overlay of our Australian culture where our elders are readily institutionalised, there is an urgent need to find innovative community care models that embrace and celebrate the gift of aging.