The Turnbull Government’s unprecedented $5 billion aged care Budget boost will deliver significant benefits for Forde according to Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt AM.
Addressing an aged care forum with the Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP, Minister Wyatt said the 2018—19 Budget increased home and residential care options and provided more choice and certainty for local older Australians and their families.
“The Turnbull Government is planning for tomorrow, by investing record funding in a system that will support Australians as they age and empower them to live their lives the way they want to,” Minister Wyatt said.
“Aged care funding is up, home care packages are up and residential aged care is up.”
Budget highlights include:
- The rollout of an extra 14,000 high-level home care packages, with package numbers to grow from 87,000 to 151,000 so older Australians can live in their own homes for as long as they can
- A record 13,500 additional residential care places to be allocated this year
- $60 million in capital grants for new and expanded aged care facilities
- A record $102.5 million commitment to older Australians’ mental health
- A new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to provide a one-stop shop for aged care quality and regulation
- A $61.7 million overhaul of My Aged Care
- An online aged care provider comparison system
- Health, career and finance checks for 45 and 65 year olds for future planning
- Pensioners will be able to earn $7,800 per year without affecting their pension
Mr van Manen said the Turnbull Government was building on its strong record of support for aged care services in Forde.
“The Turnbull Government invested $82 million in Forde aged care services in 2016—17, including $74.57 million for residential aged care, $5.4 million for home care and $2 million on the local Commonwealth Home Support Programme,” Mr van Manen said.
“I am working very hard with Minister Wyatt to ensure we are delivering the right mix of aged care services in Forde and giving local people in suburbs like Beenleigh, Upper Coomera and Park Ridge certainty and confidence in aged care.”
As at June 30, 2017 there were 12 residential aged care services with 1,213 places in Forde.
Minister Wyatt welcomed the opportunity to attend and address yesterday’s Forde forum.
“I value these forums immensely because they are a great way to meet local people and listen to their stories and ideas for the future of world-class aged care in Australia,” Minister Wyatt said.