More senior Australians in rural areas will have access to high quality, higher level aged care choices with the opening of a new funding round by the Morrison Government.
The Government is delivering ongoing funding for up to 150 high needs rural aged care beds with $5 million available in the round.
Multi-Purpose Service approved providers are invited to apply for the funding, with the round open on 1 October 2019 and closing on 12 November 2019.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said providing more aged care choices for senior Australians, particularly in rural areas, is a priority for the Morrison Government.
"This is about providing more high quality aged care choices for people in small towns across Australia and I particularly encourage providers in drought-affected communities to apply," Minister Colbeck said.
"In the past, many seniors small rural and remote communities had to leave their home town or go to the local hospital to get the care they need.
"Instead, these Multi-Purpose Service beds integrate health and aged care services by pooling Federal Government aged care funding and State Government health funding to deliver flexible care that best meets individual communities' needs.
Providers can apply for these high care residential beds to expand existing services or establish new services, or to change the level of care designated to existing flexible aged care places.
"The Morrison Government is committed to providing more aged care choices to all older people. These 150 high care beds will improve care for people in rural and remote areas," Minister Colbeck said.
"It means quality care, flexibility, and keeping rural families together, and we can provide these essential services because we have a strong Budget and a strong economy."
Multi-Purpose Services are currently located in all states and the Northern Territory. Find more information and the application form on the Department of Health website.
