LATROBE seniors are set to benefit from a $199,319 State Government funding boost to aged care services helping them to live independently at home.
Health and Ageing Minister David Davis announced new funding last Monday amounting to $21.94 million for the Home and Community Care program – a joint initiative of the federal and state governments.
Gippsland will receive $997,900 across the five shires.
“The additional funding would allow more frail, older people and younger people with a disability to be able to remain in their own homes and communities,” Mr Davis said.
“The HACC initiative delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the individual needs of older people, people with a disability and their carers.”
The Federal Government contributed $13.1 million and the State Government contributed $8.8 million to the $21.94 million package.
The jointly-funded HACC program will provide $576 million in 2011-12 to about 470 agencies across Victoria.
Mr Davis said that a $997,900 funding boost for Gippsland will increase access to care for people who wish to remain in their own homes and community, close to family and friends, for as long as possible.
“HACC services provide the practical assistance that many older Victorians and younger persons with disabilities need to complete every day tasks and retain their independence,” Mr Davis said.
“It assists about 275,000 Victorians a year needing domestic help, nursing, allied health such as physio and podiatry, delivered meals, social support and personal care.
“With this latest funding boost, residents in Gippsland will get an estimated extra 13,400 hours of care to remain living at home and stay connected with their community.
“This includes 3500 more hours of allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and dietetics, 3000 more hours of nursing care and personal care and 5100 additional hours of social support.”
