Australia's Albanese Government has announced an investment of A$40m ($26.76m) to extend the Transition Care Programme (TCP) for older people.

With this extension, 2,000 older people in the country can now access the TCP until 30 June 2025.

TCP is a short-term therapy and support programme that helps older people to transition back into the community after being hospitalised.

The extension will provide 265 temporary TCP places across Australia, including 35 places in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region.

The TCP provides a range of services, including low-intensity therapy, nursing support, and assistance with daily living activities.

This flexible aged care programme is designed to help older people to improve their health and independence, as well as reduce pressure on hospitals.

It is jointly funded by the Australian and regional governments.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said: “We know that being discharged from hospital can be an incredibly vulnerable time for older people.

“Through this investment in the Transition Care Programme, I’m proud to give older people peace of mind that support will continue to be there for them, where and when they need it most.”

The programme helps patients for up to 12 weeks after they are discharged from hospital.

Cunningham member Alison Byrnes said: “This investment will help to ease the pressure we have seen on our public hospitals for some time, and ensure that the most vulnerable in our community will be able to get an appropriate level of care.”