Landmark aged care reforms set to benefit millions of Aussies
The federal government has reached a deal with the coalition for the long-awaited aged care reforms including $4.3 billion for in-home services.
This means that senior citizens will be given more support and choice to live their golden years in dignity, as they intend to help them live at home for longer and improve conditions and protections for those in aged care facilities.
"$4.3 billion will be invested in Support at Home, to come into effect on the first of July next year," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at Parliament House on Thursday.
The Support at Home package is expected to help 1.4 million Australians live independently at home with support, before going into aged care by 2035.
It will provide support for nursing, occupational therapy and day-to-day tasks like cleaning, showering, dressing and shopping, with wait times for packages cut from 12 to three months.
The government will also pay all of the cost of clinical care services, with a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs.
Those using the Support at Home program could also get $25,000 in aid to spend their final three months at home, instead of the hospital.
The $5.6 billion reform package is also set to affect the availability of funding for residential aged care, including a "no worse off" assurance that people currently in aged care won't be asked to pay more for their care.
New aged care quality standards will also be implemented to improve the sector and drive higher-quality care.
The government also promised more resources to investigate and penalise bad behaviour by providers.
Albanese said the reforms will be the "greatest improvement" to the aged care sector in 30 years.
“This is about caring for the generation that cared for us,” he said.
“We will deliver historic aged care reforms to ensure the viability and quality of our aged care system and support the growing number of older Australians choosing to retain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.”
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the changes would lead to more services for older Australians.
“Our reforms will create better and safer care, help reduce the fear of a system that has been neglected for far too long,” she said.
The reform has been welcomed as the number of Australians over the age of 65 is expected to double and those older than 85 are predicted to triple in the next four decades.
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