January 2023 looms as a  ”Perfect Storm” for severely restricted Aged care vacancy rates.  January is always a busy month for Aged Care admissions as on top of the normal number of aged care admissions, providers see enquiries from families who have held loved ones back in November and December, not wanting to move them into care right before Xmas.
On top of this there are the relatives who have little family contact until Xmas time and family suddenly realise there has been a steep decline in their ability to manage at home by themselves.  These increased numbers put pressure on vacancy rates every year.
This coming January however we have the added difficulties of an industry still reeling from COVID.  Through the back of 2021 and the first half of 2022, many families kept loved ones at home, not only because of health concerns around COVID, but strict requirements around visitation and constant lock downs meant access to loved ones in care could be severely limited. 
The second half of 2022 saw many restrictions eased and unprecedented enquiry levels for vacancies.  The industry however was not in a position to respond, with curtailed staff numbers meaning some beds could not be occupied and providers struggled to satisfy demand.
Whilst enquiry has declined into December (as usual, for the reasons outlined above) we expect demand in January will again be high and vacancy rates low.  If you are looking to place a loved one into care in the new year, now is the time to be looking around and making a shortlist of preferred places so you are ahead of the game come January.  If you need assistance with this, feel free to reach out.
Of course the financial maze that is the Australian Aged Care system remains, regardless of demand.  If you want to ensure affordability and the best financial outcome for your loved one, call Zenith Aged Care on 02 9525 7977 and speak with the experts in Aged Care.
Have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year