Ageing Australia welcomes the Government’s $3.7 billion commitment to aged care in tonight’s Federal Budget, but warns more investment is needed to care for Australia’s rapidly ageing population.
Tonight, the Treasurer, the Hon Jim Chalmers, confirmed $1.7 billion over four years for its initial response to the Residential Aged Care Accommodation Pricing review, including:
- New targeted capital subsidies for residential aged care, providing additional funding for newly built or refurbished homes.
- A $5 increase to the Accommodation Supplement for supported residents.
- Additional Specialist Dementia Care Program units
The Government has stated the package will deliver an extra 5,000 new beds per year.
“Any and all investment in aged care is welcome at this difficult time for the Australian economy. We also know that 10,000 new beds are needed every year to meet growing demand,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
“Last year we only built 800, putting us even further behind. Without further investment, the target will blow out each and every year.”
“The $5 increase for existing beds is also less than half the $13 gap between current funding and the cost of providing accommodation.”
“This is not a new problem. More homes are putting up the no vacancy sign every day. Residential aged care is now at about 96% full, and in many capital cities it’s already 100%.”
“The number of Australians aged over 80 will double in the next 25 years, so we need to get building now.”
Ageing Australia welcomes the Government’s $224.3 million commitment over four years for 20 new Specialist Dementia Care Program units, which will help to provide better access for people suffering from dementia and ease pressure on mainstream homes.
