Extra funding for disadvantaged aged care residents is much needed

Extra funding for aged care homes with a high proportion of low-income residents is hugely important for the viability of services older Australians depend on, Catholic Health Australia (CHA) said today.

Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler today announced an increase to the Accommodation Supplement and an additional payment for homes where more than 60 per cent of residents are supported, a reform CHA has repeatedly called for.

This will overwhelmingly benefit residents of not-for-profit facilities, including those operated by Catholic providers which have a strong focus on supporting the most vulnerable older Australians.

“Providers caring for higher numbers of supported residents face significantly greater financial and operational pressures, driven by higher care costs and lower accommodation revenue,” said Alex Lynch, Director of Aged Care at Catholic Health Australia.

“This extra support is vital to ensuring disadvantaged residents get the care they need. We thank the government for working constructively with us and adopting our suggested change following our advocacy.”

CHA also welcomes new targeted capital subsidies, which will support the construction and refurbishment of aged care homes and expand access to residential care for supported residents.

The decision to move showering, dressing and continence care into the clinical care category under Support at Home is also strongly supported by CHA and a positive response to consistent advocacy from the broader sector.

“This is an important win for the dignity of older Australians,” said Mr Lynch.

“Showering, dressing and continence care are fundamentals of daily life. No older Australian should face a co-contribution bill for services this essential. We are very pleased the Government has listened to the sector and acted.”