It is a well-publicised issue that people with disability experience protracted hospital admissions despite no medical need to be in hospital, the causes of which are multifactorial. Under the Victorian Department of Health’s Pathways to Home Program, between December 2021 and March 2023, Yooralla successfully supported 20 people under transitional accommodation/support arrangements while they awaited permanent funding and arrangements. This is far preferable to spending more time in hospital. Individuals have consistently demonstrated significant improvements in functional independence during their transitional support period, and it has so far saved a total of 1,850 hospital bed days. It also ensures that time and access pressures do not rush the process of finding suitable permanent accommodation/supports and planning a smooth transition.

Yooralla’s experience indicates that the Pathways to Home Program is a successful model for supporting people to live in a home-like environment while awaiting permanent supports. An enduring funding model that addresses current funding gaps for health services would support program growth and sustainability and thus reduce avoidable protracted hospital admissions.