From today, personal care services for the almost 400,000 older Australians accessing Support at Home, including showering, dressing and continence products, will be fully funded by the Australian Government.
An investment of $1 billion will ensure personal care services attract no participant contributions, in line with all clinical care services under Support at Home.
As the Support at Home program has rolled out, we've been listening closely to people's experiences of the new system and making changes to ensure it is delivering the dignified, high-quality care that every older Australian deserves.
The investment will ensure older people receiving these services through Support at Home pay no out-of-pocket costs, helping them maintain their independence and continue living at home for longer.
Personal care services include assistance with showering, dressing, eating, continence support, maintaining personal hygiene and taking medication.
Making these services free reduces cost pressures for older people and their families - helping more Australians access the support they need to stay living safely and independently at home, close to family and community.
From today, all older people accessing Support at Home will have personal care services fully funded. Aged care providers will work with their existing clients to update service agreements to reflect these new arrangements.
After a decade of neglect that left too many people waiting too long for care, the Government is responding to older people, carers and providers to improve our aged care system.
We'll keep working to expand access to care, drive down wait times and build more residential beds across Australia as we continue our work to deliver a system that provides safe, dignified and high-quality aged care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae
"We've listened to older Australians and those who care for them, and we've taken action. Personal care is an essential service that supports people's health and independence - so the Australian Government is now fully funding it."
"By fully covering personal care under Support at Home, we're removing financial barriers and helping more older Australians access more support at no cost to them or their families."
"While this is a big step forward, we know there's more work to do - so we will continue working with older people, their carers and providers to deliver the safe, dignified aged care system every Australian deserves."
Quote attributable to Carolyn Bell, Executive Director, Silverchain Aged Care
"This change shows the Government is listening to older Australians, families, carers and providers, and has made a practical adjustment to improve the Support at Home program."
Quote attributable to Craig Gear OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
"We've been concerned that older people have been jeopardising essential personal care, including hygiene and showers, due to the cost of care and co-contributions. That's why these changes are so important. Removing co-contributions for medication administration is a positive step that will make it easier for older people to access the support they need and we are pleased that the government has made this decision that starts today."
