Better access to aged care services in SA
Extra funding has been announcement for Aged Care Assessment Teams in South Australia.
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21 October 2004 | JB210/04 |
Better access to aged care services in SA
Older Australians living in South Australia will receive more timely access to aged care services following the announcement today of extra Australian Government funding for Aged Care Assessment Teams.
The Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said the Australian Government would provide more than $51.7 million nationally this year for Aged Care Assessment Teams, which play a pivotal role in assisting older people and their families to access the aged care services they need. This represents a 9.8 per cent increase over funding provided last year.
"Aged Care Assessment Teams in South Australia will receive almost $4.8 million this year in Australian Government funding to continue their vital role of assisting older people and their families, a more than 18 per cent increase in funding for South Australia over last year," Ms Bishop said.
"The teams assess the needs of older Australians and help them access the care services that best meet their needs, such as low level care delivered at home through an Australian Government-funded Community Aged Care Package, residential aged care, or a referral to other community services."
Assessment teams are multi-disciplinary and can include health professionals such as medical officers, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Assessments are free of charge.
In the 2004 Federal Budget the Australian Government provided an extra $21.7 million over four years for aged care assessment services.
"These additional funds will enable Aged Care Assessment Teams in South Australia, as well as teams across the country, to conduct more timely assessments and provide better care management, thereby increasing the support available for older Australians who need care, as well as their families and carers," Ms Bishop said.
Aged Care Assessment Teams cover all of Australia and are based in hospitals or in the local community. Information about local assessment teams is available from Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222.
Media contact: Rachael Thompson 02 6277 7280 or 0417 265 289