Senior Tasmanians, their families and carers are set to benefit from the Australian Government’s once-in-a-generation reform of aged care, announced in last week’s Federal Budget.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said older Tasmanians are at the heart of the $17.7 billion package.
“We are committed to ensuring that those who have contributed so much – our nation builders, our parents and grandparents, our founders and protectors– get the respect, care and dignity they rightly deserve,” Minister Colbeck said.
In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Government’s unprecedented investment will improve quality care, increase viability of the sector, and provide services that respect the needs and choices of seniors.
With Australia’s fastest ageing population, Tasmania’s share of the record investment will be a major boost to aged care services.
The funding will include $630.2 million to make the aged care system more accessible for seniors with special needs, including people in regional and rural areas in Tasmania.
This new support will include $397 million for aged care providers to undertake capital works to build new and improve existing facilities, improving access to care and providing local jobs.
East Devonport’s Melaleuca Home for the Aged is one of a number of residential aged care providers across the state that will play a lead role in implementing the reform package, translating the Royal Commission’s recommendations and the Government’s response into actions.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the engagement of aged care homes like Melaleuca will be crucial in progressing the vital reforms.
“We will rely on support from the aged care sector, providers and the workforce to embrace and embed these changes, creating a better system within their business and their work,” Mr Pearce said.
Minister Colbeck said residential aged care services and sustainability was one of the five pillars of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission.
“The Government has committed $7.8 billion towards improving and simplifying residential aged care services,” he said.
“This includes $3.2 billion to support aged care providers to deliver better care and services through a new Basic Daily Fee supplement of $10 per resident per day. A further $3.9 billion will increase the amount of frontline care delivered to residents of aged care and respite services.”
“I look forward to working with aged care consumers, their families and the sector to implement these changes.”
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