Home Modifications Make Life Easier for Queenslanders Following $51 Million to Help Frail Aged and People With a Disability
Queensland’s frail, aged and those with a disability are set to benefit after almost $51 million in funding for home and community care services has been allocated in Queensland.
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Previous MinistersJoint Release
The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
The Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Minister for Disability Services and
Multicultural Affairs
26 October 2010Queensland’s frail, aged and those with a disability are set to benefit, after Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler announced where almost $51 million in funding for home and community care services will be allocated in Queensland today.
Ms Palaszczuk said 230 organisations would share in the funding through the joint Commonwealth-State program.
“The centrepiece of this announcement is the allocation of almost $7 million for minor and major home modifications for people around the state.
“Minor modifications include installing a hand-held shower, relocating power-points or modifying steps.
“They may seem like relatively small changes for many of us, but they mean the world for those who receive them.
“Major modifications can include the installation of stair lifts, ramps or complex bathroom modifications.
“Almost 5000 Queenslanders are set to benefit from these modifications. The bottom line is, this funding can mean the difference between living at home independently, or with loved ones, or having to live in a care home.
Ms Palaszczuk said that about 170,000 Queenslanders benefited from HACC services last year.
HACC is a joint Australian Government and Queensland Government initiative that delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the needs of older people, people with a disability and their carers.
The Federal government contributed $33 million and the Queensland Government contributed $18 million in funding.
The following programs have been prioritised under this funding allocation:
$10.9 million to increase domestic assistance, personal care, social support, home maintenance, and respite care
$6.87 million for home modifications of which $4.87 million is for minor home modifications and $2 million is for major home modifications.
$5.7 million in major capital to expand or modify buildings and facilities
$2.1 million to 36 organisations will provide additional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including domestic assistance, personal care, nursing and allied health, centre-based day activities
$5.5 million for clinical and specialist care including administering medication and wound dressings
$3.3 million for transport to assist people visit their GP, do their shopping and participate in their community.
$2.44 million for information, education and training for HACC providers and clients
$1.8 million to replace essential vehicles or buses
$3 million for centre-based day care and other specialised services.
$4.5 million to fund the development and modification of home and community care facilities in Aurukun
$2.1 million to fund the development and modification of home and community care facilities on Palm Island
$1.75 million to fund the development and modification of home and community care facilities in Coen
$0.57 million to fund the modification of home and community care facilities in Hope Vale
$0.28 million to fund the modification of home and community care facilities in Wujal Wujal
Mr Butler said: “People want to remain independent, in their own homes and communities, close to friends and family for as long as they can. “This funding will help many people stay at home rather than move prematurely into residential care, providing the practical assistance that many older Australians need.”
Queenslanders looking for information on HACC can contact their local HACC provider or call Disability and Community Care Services, Department of Communities on phone 07 3247 3847, or email haccadmin@communities.qld.gov.au.
Ms Palaszczuk said the announcement also formed part of the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 vision to support safe and caring communities.
For more information, please contact Mr Butler’s office on 02 6277 7280
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