$33.9 million home care boost for Victorians in need
Home and Community Care services supporting seniors, younger people with disability and their carers will receive a $33.9 million funding boost across Victoria.
The federal Assistant Minister for Social Services Mitch Fifield and Victorian Minister for Ageing David Davis said the extra Home and Community Care (HACC) funding would expand services across the state.
“The Home and Community Care program provides critical basic maintenance, support and care services where most people prefer to receive them–in their own homes and communities,” Senator Fifield said.
“This support includes personal care, domestic assistance, meals, nursing care, social support, as well as respite services for carers–without which many people wouldn’t be able to remain living independently.
“These are all essential to older people and people with disability staying safe and well, and remaining connected to their community and in control of their own lives.”
The Australian Government contributed $20.4 million and the Victorian Government $13.6 million, significantly boosting care for people needing support.
The jointly funded HACC program will provide about $668 million in 2013-14 to about 470 agencies across Victoria.
Mr Davis said that the Victorian Coalition Government is helping seniors to live active and healthy lives, and stay connected to their community.
“This year HACC services will assist about 300,000 Victorians who need help to live independently at home and participate in community activities,” Mr Davis said.
“Victorians accessing HACC services will receive an additional 224,600 hours of care and support.
“This includes an extra 29,000 hours of in home services such as domestic assistance, personal care and property maintenance, 44,000 more hours of care planning to ensure clients receive the right care, at the right time, and 50,000 hours of nursing and allied health care such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry.
“Older Victorians will be able to keep active and involved in their local communities with an additional 95,000 hours for planned activity groups.
“With a growing and ageing population, we are also increasing funding for meals-on-wheels services significantly with an additional $5.9 million.”