The Albanese Government is extending its commitment to caring for older people living in regional and remote communities by providing 100 more flexible aged care places.
These new places will be within Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) which provide health and aged care services, often in the same location.
MPSs are often the only aged care provider in a town and allow older people to stay living in and connected to their own communities, remaining close to families and loved ones.
From today, approved aged care providers in any state or territory can apply for up to 100 new flexible aged care places.
Providers will be able to apply either to add extra places to their existing MPS, or to set up a new MPS in a rural or remote community.
There are already 3739 flexible aged care places with 28 MPS providers across 180 sites throughout Australia.
The extra 100 places will mean more than 3800 older people living in remote locations can access aged care through MPS providers.
MPSs are a joint initiative between the Australian Government and states and territories.
Further details are on the MPS webpage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
“Older people should be able to access quality aged care services no matter where they live in Australia.
“Multi-Purpose Services play a valuable part in our aged care system and mean rural residents don’t have to move away from their family and friends to access aged care.
“Adding 100 more MPS places gives older people in rural regions the peace of mind that they’ll be able to be cared for in their own community.”