More home care packages funded for Hinkler seniors

An additional 10,000 high-level home care packages will be released nationwide within coming weeks, which will help support senior Australians living in Hinkler.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said these additional packages come on top of the extra 20,000 packages funded in the past year, which combined will result in a record 40 per cent increase in home care packages.

“For those seniors that want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as possible, we need to ensure they are able to access home care services in a timely manner,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said the Coalition Government will also ease the cost of living for local seniors receiving home care, by reducing the daily maximum fees payable by up to $400 a year.

The maximum basic daily fees payable for home care will be reduced by $400 a year for Level One packages, $200 a year for Level Two packages and $100 a year for Level Three packages from 1 July 2019.

“The government will top up payments to providers on behalf of local seniors, to ensure there are no reductions in levels of service,” Mr Pitt said.

Additional funding to help providers who support senior Australians living in rural and remote areas has also been welcomed by Mr Pitt.

The Viability Supplement for eligible residential aged care providers is to be increased by 30 per cent, through an investment of $101.9 million.

“Forest View at Childers and Blue Care Bundaberg Pioneer will receive an increase to the Viability Supplement to help cost pressures and ensure their sustainability into the future.”

The Coalition Government is also investing $98 million to fund increased payments for GPs to treat patients in local aged care homes.

“We recognise the important role local doctors play in supporting the health and care of people in residential care, and this funding will ensure this can continue.”

“The Coalition Government is determined to continue improving aged care at every opportunity, to help ensure local senior Australians receive the care they want and deserve, where and when they need it.”