Older care leavers and the aged care system: a national survey

Older Care Leavers—also known as Forgotten Australians—often encounter aged care systems that fail to meet their needs or account for their traumatic histories. Systemic gaps in care planning, service design, and policy reform have left this group at risk of retraumatisation and exclusion as they age. This study explored the perspectives of older Care Leavers living in the community, who may face decisions about future aged-care options. After conducting a literature review, the authors surveyed 105 Australians aged 50 + with care-leaving histories to explore their aged care needs and preferences. Findings confirm significant lifelong disadvantage, including low education, financial hardship, and complex health conditions. When considering aged care, participants expressed a strong preference for remaining at home with formal support. Key priorities included autonomy, privacy, continuity of care, and avoiding residential care settings. Results underscored the urgent need for trauma-informed, person-centred aged care models that recognise Care Leavers’ histories and mitigate retraumatisation. Policy implications include the development of tailored services focused on mental health, advocacy, continuity of care, and access to home-based support. Involving Care Leavers in research and system design is essential to delivering meaningful reform.IMPLICATIONS Forgotten Australians, or older Care Leavers, strongly prefer in-home services over residential aged care due to deep-seated fears about institutionalisation.Aged care policy must prioritise flexible, community-based services that uphold autonomy, privacy, and choice.Appropriate support requires increased funding, targeted mental health resources, and widespread trauma-informed training for aged care staff.