Increased funding to help frail Australians with care options

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26 June 2007
PYN73/07

Funding to help frail older Australians receive advice about their care options will increase by more than 5.4 per cent to $68.5 million in 2007-08.

The Aged Care Assessment Program ensures that frail Australians who are no longer able to manage at home without assistance can get advice about suitable care services, the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said.

“The program identifies an individual’s needs before recommending a government-subsidised care service to suit their situation,” Mr Pyne said.

“Multi-disciplinary Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) – which can include health professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers and physiotherapists – assess and approve older Australians for aged care services.

“These services include residential aged care, Community Aged Care Packages, or flexible care such as Extended Aged Care at Home, dementia-specific care packages or Transition Care.

“The Australian Government is working to ensure that older Australians can have access to the level of care they need.”

ACAT members can visit people in their own homes or in hospital. Information about the closest ACAT is available from Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222. Alternatively, your doctor can put you in contact with your local ACAT.

Media contact: John Gardner 0400 637 291