Govt to spend $300m equipping elderly to move home

The move will free up beds for people with acute illnesses and shorten hospital waiting lists, The Weekend Australian newspaper reports.

Saturday's funding announcement will make available 228 new transitional care places, which are designed to help 1700 people leave hospital beds each year.

Taxpayer-funded medical care and personal help will be provided to help elderly people in areas such as showering, transport, and medical appointments.

Ageing Minister Justine Elliot said the new package would allow the elderly to recover their independence after a hospital stay.

The move is designed to combat the widespread practice of leaving frail, elderly people clogging up acute-care beds because they are unable to find nursing home accommodation or care for themselves properly at home.