Ageing Budget 2007-2008

Cultural Diversity In Aged Care

The Government is providing funding through the 2007-08 Budget to help older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to access the full range of aged care services to which they are entitled.

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8 May 2007
PYN48/07

The Government is providing funding through the 2007-08 Budget to help older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to access the full range of aged care services to which they are entitled.

New funding of $13.2 million over five years from 2006-07 for the Community Partners Program will double the number of projects funded under the program. This will expand the development of information and education approaches, such as the use of ethnic media to provide information on aged care, the development of peer support networks, and the provision of assistance to aged care providers so that they can offer culturally appropriate care.

This will assist older people and their carers to make informed choices and therefore make it easier for them to access services.

The Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said: “22.5 per cent of older Australians will be from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds by 2011.

“These people often find it difficult to access the full range of aged care services because of language barriers and lack of awareness about the services that are available.

“Failure to obtain care at an early opportunity can cause health to decline, resulting in a greater need for a higher level of care,” he said.

This is in addition to the $10.2 million the Government has already committed to the Community Partners Program over the next four years.

Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833