The Allan Labor Government is strengthening support for aged care homes so more older and vulnerable Victorians can age with comfort, dignity and good health.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today announced an extension to applications for the Residential Aged Care Equipment Program, now open until 16 December 2025 - giving aged care homes more time to apply to upgrade essential equipment and support high-quality nursing care.
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 for residential aged care homes to purchase or upgrade tools that help nurses carry out comprehensive health assessments. Better equipment means earlier detection of health issues, and timely intervention for residents, helping prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
Alongside this funding boost, all nursing staff can access free Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Older Person training, delivered by La Trobe University. More than 280 nurses have already completed the training, with another 900 registered.
The training supports nurses to undertake 47 different assessments - covering mobility, pain, hydration, cognitive health and more - giving our aged care workforce the confidence and skills to provide the best care for residents.
This initiative builds on the Labor Government's broader investment in the nursing workforce - including free nursing degrees, free TAFE for the Diploma of Nursing, new prescribing powers for endorsed midwives, and a 28.4 per cent pay rise for public sector nurses and midwives - to ensure the best care for Victorian families.
Grants for the Residential Aged Care Equipment Program are open until 16 December 2025 at 4pm.
More information is available at health.vic.gov.au/residential-aged-care-equipment-program.
Information on the training is available at latrobe.edu.au/funded-chaop-victoria.
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt MP
"We're giving our aged care homes the tools they need to keep residents healthy and out of hospital."
"We know that timely health assessments make a real difference. This program ensures nurses have the skills and equipment to care for our ageing population with confidence and compassion."
