Funding boost for care at home
Extra joint funding has been announced for Home and Community Care services in Western Australia.
View by date:
Previous MinistersThe Hon Jim McGinty MLA
Western Australian Minister for Health
| 27 October 2004 | JB214/04 |
Funding boost for care at home
Older West Australians and people with disabilities will benefit from extra support services to help them remain independent at home and in their communities.
The Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, and the Western Australian Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, today announced extra joint funding of $6.7 million for Home and Community Care services, bringing the total funding available for these services in Western Australia to $129.8 million in 2004-05, an increase of 8.66 per cent over the previous financial year.
Ms Bishop said Home and Community Care was a key element of the Australian Government's vision for a world class aged care sector that provided high quality, affordable and accessible services to meet the individual needs and choices of older Australians.
"Older West Australians are increasingly choosing to remain at home and in their local community as they age," Ms Bishop said.
"By funding Home and Community Care services, including centre-based day care, Meals on Wheels, transport, personal care and home nursing, we are helping to fulfil that choice and improve people’s independence and quality of life.
"That is why the Australian Government has increased our contribution to Home and Community Care services by more than 80 per cent since 1995-96."
Mr McGinty said the additional funding to existing Home and Community Care services recognised the growing demand for these services, and the high quality of care provided.
"This funding will give younger people with disabilities and their carers an opportunity to enhance their independence and quality of life," Mr McGinty said.
"In Western Australia we will be targeting this funding to priority areas of need."
Home and Community Care is jointly funded by the Australian, State and Territory governments and is managed by the States and Territories. The Australian Government provides around 60 per cent of the funding.
Media contacts:
Rachael Thompson (Ms Bishop) 0417 265 289
Simon Dowding (Mr McGinty) 08 9220 5000