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Evaluation of younger people in residential aged care initiatives

Final evaluation report

Published Date: 5.3.2026

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Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Aged care services

Document Analysis Quantitative data Case study Lived experience Aged care Evaluation NDIS Disability

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Aged care services

View Publication Document Analysis Quantitative data Case study Lived experience Aged care Evaluation NDIS Disability

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Evaluation of younger people in residential aged care initiatives

Final evaluation report

Published Date: 5.3.2026

  • Organisation Name

    Nous Group

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Nous Group. (2024). Evaluation of younger people in residential aged care initiatives. https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2026-03/apo-nid333692.pdf

Long Summary

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified that residential aged care (RAC) is not an appropriate environment for most younger people with disability. Many younger residents experience significant social and emotional harms, including isolation and loneliness. In response, the Australian Government committed to ensuring that no individuals under 65 live in RAC by January 2025.

This evaluation examined the appropriateness, effectiveness and sustainability of Commonwealth initiatives introduced since 2019 to reduce the number of younger people entering or remaining in RAC. It also captured key lessons to inform future policy directions. The evaluation was structured around a theory of change guiding how these initiatives were intended to create impact.

Author's / Publisher's Contact Details:

02 8281 8000

    Key Messages for Carers


  • RAC is not an appropriate environment for most younger people, and the negative impacts commonly experienced (such as isolation and reduced independence) underline the importance of exploring age‑appropriate supports and living arrangements.
  • Government initiatives aim to reduce younger people entering or remaining in RAC, meaning carers may see more options become available—such as improved access to NDIS supports, community housing and specialised disability services.
  • Early identification and planning are critical, and carers often play a key role in recognising when someone needs additional supports, raising concerns, and helping coordinate earlier engagement with health, housing or disability services.
  • Service pathways are being strengthened, which may make it easier for carers to help younger people navigate complex systems (e.g., hospital discharge, NDIS planning, referrals to community supports).

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Prioritise alternatives to RAC by expanding and streamlining pathways into appropriate housing, disability supports and community‑based services for younger people.
  • Strengthen cross‑agency coordination (health, disability, housing, aged care) to prevent younger people from entering RAC unnecessarily.
  • Improve early intervention mechanisms, including timely hospital discharge planning and clearer referral pathways to the NDIS and related supports.
  • Ensure long‑term sustainability of initiatives by embedding stable funding, workforce capability and ongoing monitoring.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.