The Australian Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to a range of high demand care services, including meals, transport, social support, respite, gardening and cleaning for older Australians, their families and carers.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting senior Australians to remain living safely and independently in their own homes and communities for as long as they can and wish to do so,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This targeted investment will support communities identified as being most in need, including where there are aged care service gaps and high demand,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Support for aged care providers to deliver additional CHSP services to senior Australians will help address key demand pressures.”
Funding will be made available over two years to 141 successful applicants who applied through the CHSP Targeted Growth Funding Round 2020-21 and 2021-22.
“This investment is on top of the $17.7 billion announced in the recent Budget to support a once-in-a-generation reform of aged care to deliver respect, care and dignity to senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It includes more than $630 million to improve access to quality aged care services for senior Australians in regional, rural and remote areas including special needs groups.”
Service providers are required to be as responsive as possible to requests from senior Australians and their carers for short-term or ongoing CHSP services.
To access services, senior Australians, their family or carer can contact My Aged Care on
1800 200 422 and arrange a formal assessment of their care needs.