More funding for Aged Care Assessment Teams
Funding for the Aged Care Assessment Program is to be increased by nearly 11 per cent to more than $61.4 million this financial year.
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4 July 2006
SS064/06
Funding for the Aged Care Assessment Program is to be increased by nearly 11 per cent to more than $61.4 million this financial year, the Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, announced today.
Senator Santoro said the increase in funding would boost the capacity of Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) to assist older Australians into aged care when the need arises.
"ACATs are the gatekeepers to the aged care system and play a vital role in determining the needs and eligibility of older Australians seeking aged care services," Senator Santoro said.
"Obviously, as more of us move into the upper age brackets, the workload on ACATs is expanding. This extra funding will ensure that ACATs across the country have the resources to meet that demand and maintain their quality services."
ACATs consider the needs of frail older people and connect them with the care services that would best meet those requirements. They may recommend residential aged care, a Community Aged Care Package, an Extended Aged Care at Home Package or a referral to other community services.
Senator Santoro said the Australian Government was also committed to working with the states and territories to improve the ACAT process. It had committed $24.1 million over four years from 2006-07 to ensure more timely and more consistent assessments.
Assessment teams are multi-disciplinary and can include health professionals such as medical officers, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
Media contact: Malcolm Cole - 0408 612 603
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