The Healthcare Tipping Point (AUS & NZ)

Let’s turn opportunity into action – together

The Challenge

Australia and New Zealand both face a fast-ageing population and increasing complexity in health and social care:

  • In Australia, people aged 85+ will triple by 2050

  • In New Zealand, those 75+ will double within 20 years

  • Long-term conditions drive over 70% of inpatient bed days

  • Home care services are under pressure due to rising demand and workforce shortages

  • Public funding has not kept pace with rising demand

National reform agendas are in place — but to achieve long-term sustainability, both countries must shift from reactive to preventive care models.

What Needs to Happen

  1. Make proactive telecare part of national aged care strategies
    Include outreach, early detection, and personalised support.

  2. Fund and incentivise local pilots to scale nationally
    Link savings to measurable outcomes like hospital avoidance and delayed care entry.

  3. Use behavioural data to target support
    Identify risk patterns early and respond before a crisis occurs.

  4. Strengthen collaboration between health, aged care, and tech providers
    Co-design integrated models that support both individuals and systems.

The Opportunity

Telecare helps people live safely and independently at home. It provides early support, reduces avoidable hospital admissions, and eases pressure on carers and care workers.

In Spain, large-scale proactive telecare led to over £4,500 saved annually per user in avoided costs.

The three most important points are:

  • 8.6 months longer at home before entering care facilities

  • 54% fewer emergency calls

  • 36% fewer ambulance dispatches

It’s a proven model of preventive, person-centred care — and it works at scale. Telecare is not an expense – it is a strategic investment in better care and sustainable systems.

Why It Matters for Australia & New Zealand

  • Both countries have strong policy support for ageing in place

  • Digital health investment is growing, but aged care tech remains underutilised

  • Proactive care aligns with goals in:

    • Australia’s Aged Care Reform Agenda and Digital Health Strategy

    • New Zealand’s Health NZ reform and Te Pae Tata system plan

  • Regional inequities and access gaps remain — especially in rural areas

Download White Paper

Australia and New Zealand have the policy vision and reform momentum. Now is the time to embed smart, scalable solutions that deliver better care at home — and build resilient systems for the future.

Tunstall has prepared a report on the future of healthcare and elderly care. The report covers the countries where Tunstall is represented.

“The future of care is not something to fear. It’s something to believe in. Let’s make it happen.”

Emil Peters

CEO Tunstall Group