Aged care services get extra funding

SENIOR Australians living in the Geelong region will receive more support through half a billion dollars of extra funding from the federal Coalition.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said her government would also ease the cost of living for local seniors receiving home care, by reducing the daily maximum fees payable by up to $400 a year.

“We understand local people’s preference to receive aged care services in their own homes and to live independently for as long as possible.

“The home care expansion is on top of the extra 20,000 packages funded in the past year, which combined will result in a record 40 per cent increase in the people receiving home care packages.”

The maximum basic daily fees payable for home care each year will be reduced by $400 for Level One packages, $200 for Level Two packages and $100 for Level Three packages.

“Our government will top up payments to providers on behalf of local seniors, to ensure there are no reductions in levels of service,” Ms Henderson said.

She said another $98 million would support increased payments for GPs to treat patients in local aged care homes.

“We recognise the important role local doctors play in supporting the health and care of people in residential care.

“Our government is also investing more in providers who support senior Australians living in rural and remote areas and people from homeless backgrounds.

“These providers face unique circumstances and cost pressures and we want to ensure their sustainability.”

The Viability Supplement for eligible residential aged care providers is to be increased by 30 per cent, through an investment of $101.9 million.

More than 550 services, accounting for about 13,500 residential care places, receive the Viability Supplement to offset higher care costs in regional areas.

The Homeless Supplement will also be increased by 30 per cent, through a $9.3 million funding injection. Presently, 42 residential services receive the homeless supplement on behalf of more than 1,700 residents.