Western Australia’s ‘Time to Think’ hospital discharge support program provides temporary funding for aged care. This funding gives families extra time to make longer-term care decisions after hospital discharge.
This initiative provides crucial support for families that are already facing an overwhelming, stressful situation. I’ve seen many families feel pressured to make rapid decisions during hospital discharge. That’s why the Time to Think program is such a relief, and one I’m dedicated to bringing awareness to.
I’m here to help families understand WA’s Time to Think program so they can make informed decisions that are best for their family.
If your loved one is being discharged from the hospital but can’t safely return home yet, here is how this program can help. I’ll cover what to know about the Time to Think program, who qualifies, and how Care Match Solutions helps families understand their options and plan next steps with confidence.
Quick Summary
- Time to Think aged care WA gives families time to plan aged care after hospital discharge
- This government program aims to improve hospital transitions and short-term aged care support after hospital discharge
- Time to Think offers short-term funding for safe, temporary residential care
- It helps avoid rushed decisions and supports emotional readiness
- Care Match Solutions can provide expert, compassionate guidance and reassurance every step of the way during this aged care transition
What Is the ‘Time to Think’ Program?
Time to Think is designed for hospital patients who no longer need acute care but are not ready for home.
The program provides funding to ensure older patients receive the care they need and extra time to make aged care decisions.
Time to Think allows a short stay (often 4–6 weeks) in residential aged care while they and their families make informed decisions.
Goals of the Time to Think aged care WA program include:
- Provide temporary aged care funding WA residents can use to transition out of the hospital and evaluate their long-term care options
- Provide short-term aged care beds to older patients who are able to be discharged from the hospital but are unable to safely return home
- Ease demand on hospitals and freeing up hospital beds, over 1,000 hospital beds in WA have already freed up since the program began in May 2025
- Support older patients and help them experience more autonomy in the decision-making process and WA aged care transition
- Reform aged care pathways and hospital discharges
- Increase access to care that mimics more home-like settings
- Ensure older Australians transition to aged care with dignity
Learn more here about temporary aged care funding WA and this ambitious initiative: Time to Think Aged Care WA Program.
Who Can Access the Program?
The Time to Think Aged Care WA program is designed for:
- Hospital patients who are medically ready for discharge but are unsafe to return home
- People waiting for aged care assessments (ACAT) or permanent placement approvals
- Families managing complex care needs, hospital deadlines, or limited home support
- Older adults who are admitted directly from a public hospital in WA or a public hospital bed in a public-private partnership hospital in WA
As with all residential aged care services, you will be required to pay the standard resident contribution or basic daily fee. This is equivalent to 85% of the single basic age pension, roughly $900 per fortnight.
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Why This Time Matters for Families
This initiative can help lift some of the burden that accompanies aged care decisions.
Rather than making rushed decisions, families can educate themselves and get the hospital discharge aged care support they need.
Benefits of the Time to Think aged care WA initiative include:
- Offers emotional and practical breathing space during a stressful transition.
- Prevents rushed or unsuitable long-term care decisions.
- Families get the time they need to consider different options and choose the aged care that is best for their loved one’s overall well-being.
- Allows time to explore funding, tour facilities, and prepare financially.
- Ensures loved ones remain safe and supported while families plan the next step.
For more information on long-term care decisions, see my guide here: Choosing the Right Aged Care Facility.
How Care Match Solutions Supports Families During the ‘Time to Think’ Period
As an aged care consultant, I help families by providing tangible hospital discharge aged care support, including
- Guiding families through hospital discharge and temporary placement options
- Communicating with hospital discharge planners
- Offering personalised advice on choosing residential aged care or home care options once the program ends
- Managing paperwork for permanent aged care placement
- Providing continuous emotional support and advocacy throughout the WA aged care transition
Here are some excerpts from a few recent client reviews that I am deeply honoured by:
- “Grace is a gem who goes above and beyond because she actually cares about you and your loved ones. Honestly I could never recommend Grace highly enough.” -Linda H.
- “Grace also showed care and compassion of the situation our family was going through. Also Grace kept us well informed throughout the process. Thank you so very much again, Grace for your calm guidance through a very difficult time.” –Lynnette M.
- “Our family can not thank Care Match Solutions and Grace Conboy enough for the incredible support provided to our family to help us find a secure dementia room for our mother during a time when there are limited types of such rooms available in Perth, WA. Grace was skillfully able to explain the interconnected nature of all Govt agencies involved in delivering Aged Care in a way that was easy for our family to understand. Her expertise and connections within the sector made what felt like an impossible task so much more manageable. Grace guided us through every step of the process, provided us with honest advice, and worked tirelessly to secure a safe and comfortable place for Mum. Grace was an absolute lifesaver.” –Amanda W.
Reviews like this are why I started Care Match Solutions and why I dedicate my life to this work.
There is nothing more fulfilling to me than helping families navigate aged care with confidence and peace of mind. I am fortunate to have found my calling in the aged care sector and am dedicated to positively impacting as many families as possible.
I invite you to learn more about the benefits of an aged care consultant here: The Role of a Care Consultant in Aged Care.
What Happens After the Program Ends?
After the temporary period, patients move to permanent residential aged care or return home with care support.
Care Match ensures a smooth handover and helps coordinate providers for continuity of care. My goal is to make any transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, both for your loved one and your entire family.
There are so many difficult decisions to make during aged care transitions, but you don’t have to face them alone.
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Navigate Long-Term Care Decisions with Trusted Support and Reassurance
WA’s Time to Think program can help families avoid rushed decisions as they consider short-term or permanent aged care options.
If your loved one is being discharged from the hospital and you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to guide you. My goal is to make the process simple and stress-free, ensuring you feel informed and supported the entire way.
Contact Care Match Solutions for help navigating hospital discharge or aged care placement.
