A multi-billion-dollar funding package has been announced for aged care reforms by the Federal Government.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, about 1.4 million Australians will benefit from a new Support at Home program by 2035 to help them remain independent.
Under the deal, $5.6 billion will be invested in the reforms, described by him as the largest to aged care in 30 years.
“At the heart of my government is a simple principle: putting the “care” back into aged care,” Mr Albanese says.
“Our government is working to ensure that the aged care system that supports them is stronger now and sustainable into the future.
“Reforms like this do not happen every day. They are once-in-a-generation…,” Mr Albanese says.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the reforms are all about better aged care.
“This is how we Budget for better care. This is how we fund the care Australians need and deserve as they age. This is how we improve aged care and strengthen the Budget at the same time,” he says.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells says the reforms were a response to concerns raised by senior citizens.
“The government will pay 100 per cent of clinical care services with people contributing towards their support services like help with showering, gardening or meal preparation,” she says.
How much someone contributes will be based on the Age Pension means test and their personal circumstances.
“Older Australians will get support to spend their final weeks at home, surrounded by loved ones in an environment they cherish, instead of rushing precious moments into hospital visiting hours.”
Changes include: $4.3 billion for Support at Home, starting from July 1, 2025; a ‘no worse off’ principle to apply; and new laws to protect older Australians in aged care with stronger powers and civil penalties.
The changes will cost $930 million over four years and is expected to save $12.6 billion over the next 11 years.
The reforms are a response to recommendations made by the final report of the Aged Care Taskforce.
