$4.5m in Support Services for Older Tasmanians
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Tasmania will receive extra support to remain in their own homes as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care services.
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Joint release
The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
Michelle O'Byrne
Tasmanian Minister for Health
25 July 2011More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Tasmania will receive extra support to remain in their own homes as a result of increased funding for Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
The Commonwealth Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler and the Tasmanian Minister for Health Michelle O’Byrne today announced a $4.5 million funding boost to HACC Program, bringing the total funding provided by both governments to nearly $59 million annually.
“We know that the majority of older Australians would prefer to remain in their own homes and in their community, which is why we are working with the Tasmanian Government to increase support services that enable them to live independently and lead happy, health and productive lives,” Mr Butler said.
“Australia’s ageing population will only grow into the future so it’s important we continue to provide care that’s affordable, accessible and of high quality, to meet the diverse needs of older Australians.”
“The funding will provide services such as domestic assistance, personal care, social support, respite, and support for volunteers and carers,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“These are the services that enable frail older people, younger people with disabilities, and their carers to cope with change and challenge.”
The new funding to 18 Tasmanian organisations identified as major priorities in the Tasmanian HACC Triennial Plan, represents an 8.37 percent increase from 2009-2010.
Amongst those organisations provided with additional funding are:
- Lifeline - $200,000 to provide home visits for older people who are living in their homes
- Carers Association of Tasmania – $65,000 to increase carer support services in Northern Tasmania
- Family Based Care North West –$250,000 to provide extra personal care, domestic assistance and social support services in North Western Tasmania
- Anglicare – $270,000 to provide extra hours of domestic assistance and personal care across the state
- South Eastern Community Care – $102,000 to provide additional personal care and domestic assistance
In addition, a number of one-off allocations totalling $1.290 million have been approved, including:
- Menzies Research Institute – $212,000 to undertake projects relating to people with dementia
- Funding of $219,000 for new vehicles to assist various organisations provide services and transport for eligible clients.
Continuing support for the HACC program is a key element of the Australian Government’s aged-care policy and its vision for a world-class community care system.
The Gillard Labor Government is providing more funding, for more services, to more older Australians than ever before.
For more information, please contact Mr Butler’s Office on 02 6277 7280
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