$240m Set to Help Independent Seniors
14 January 2014 at 3:59 pm
Older Australians will receive more help to live independently as part of a $240 million Federal Government program.
The commitment is the first round of funding under the Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) program, which was previously administered at state level.
On July 1, 2012, the former Labor Federal Government assumed full funding, policy and operational responsibility for HACC services for older Australians in all states and territories except Victoria and Western Australia.
The program will fund support and care services, such as cleaning, meals, nursing care and transport for people aged 65 years and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, said the extra HACC funding will be shared by 331 new and existing service providers, following a competitive tender process.
“The Australian Government believes that older Australians should have the support and care they need to continue to live at home for as long as they choose,” Senator Fifield said.
“The Commonwealth HACC program provides critical basic maintenance, support and care services where most people prefer to receive them—in their own homes and communities.
“This support includes personal care, domestic assistance, meals, nursing care, social support and transport, as well as respite services for carers of older Australians—without which many people wouldn’t be able to remain living independently.
“These are all essential to older people staying safe and well, and remaining connected to their community and in control of their own lives.”
Senator Fifield said that funding had been allocated in a way that helped ensure people had access to the support they need the most.
“We have made sure that a large portion of the funding is going to services that meet each region’s most pressing needs,” Senator Fifield said.
“The successful applicants will provide a variety of services to many locations and people.”
For more information on the HACC program, click here.
