Dementia Australia welcomes the Federal Government's decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) until 30 June 2029.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said she welcomes the much-needed certainty the extension will bring to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
"With two in three people with dementia living in the community, it is vital we get care at home right," Professor Buchanan said.
"The Commonwealth Home Support Program provides important supports like cleaning, shopping, meals on wheels, transport, home maintenance, respite, social support and allied health.
"I am pleased people living with dementia, their families and carers will have more certainty around their ability to continue to access these much-needed services.
"It is important the estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia receive the supports they need to maintain their independence and to live with dignity. Getting at home care right is important for helping to reduce the number of avoidable hospital admissions, avoiding premature entry into residential aged care, and reducing carer burnout."
"Dementia Australia looks forward to participating in the consultations on funding arrangements for CHSP later this year and to supporting people living with dementia and their carers to have their say as well. We hope this includes consideration of growth funding so the CHSP can respond to increasing demand for services."
The CHSP provides entry-level support for older Australians who need some help to stay at home. Service providers work alongside the person to help maintain their independence and to keep them as well as possible.
The CHSP had previously been scheduled to transition to the Federal Government's new Support at Home program which provides at home care support for older Australians with greater support needs than those receiving CHSP support.
