The Illawarra’s aging population is placing increasing pressure on aged care and retirement housing, and latest data shows a growing gap between demand and available services.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 20 per cent of people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region are aged 65 and over, compared with 16.3 per cent across New South Wales, underscoring the region’s older demographic profile.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The demand is being felt across the sector. A proposed redevelopment of the IRT Towradgi retirement village has been recommended for rejection by council staff for a third time, while IRT Group has begun a $45 million upgrade of its Diment seniors’ living community in Wollongong, aimed at expanding independent living options.
Aged care specialist and AllCare worker Jackie Hall said the pressure was building as more residents move into older age brackets.
“Statistics show the Illawarra requires over 1,000 additional residential aged care places to meet current demand,” she said.
“Many people either wait in hospitals or rely on home support packages because there aren’t enough facilities.”
Ms Hall said about 25 per cent of those waiting for placement require specialised dementia care, further complicating the shortfall.
The Illawarra’s aging population is driving growing demand for aged care. There is a need for more specialised and accessible care, a wider range of housing options, independent living, and supported care services.
The federal government has acknowledged the issue, with Aged Care and Seniors Minister Sam Rae confirming the Illawarra will share in $115 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
“We know the Illawarra needs more aged care capacity quickly and we won’t waste a moment getting on with funding projects that can uplift supply,” he said.
“We want every older Australian to access the care they need and get it sooner and closer to home.”
Experts warn that without significant expansion, the shortage will worsen, leading to increased hospital bed blockages and placing greater pressure on families to care for aging relatives at home.
