Existing and prospective aged care providers across Gippsland are being encouraged to apply for a share in this year’s record allocation of 14,000 new aged care places, which has a special focus on rural, regional and remote locations.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the 2018-19 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) also included $40 million for rural, regional and remote aged care construction.
“There has never been a better time for existing and potential regional providers to apply to develop or expand aged care operations,” Mr Chester said.
“The 2018-19 ACAR application period is only open until August 10, so I encourage local providers to get their applications in and make sure Gippsland is able to receive its fair share of funding to meet future ageing needs in our community.”
Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the offering of 14,000 places was 35 per cent bigger than the previous ACAR round and was a result of the Federal Government’s $5 billion aged care Budget boost.
“We are offering 13,500 new residential care places, 775 short-term restorative care places and, importantly, a further $60 million in capital grants to encourage more investment in areas of greatest need,” Minister Wyatt said.
“Short term restorative care aims to slow or even reverse functional decline by providing time-limited, re-ablement care with wraparound services to help people get back on their feet again.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to improving access to residential aged care for people living in regional, rural and remote areas. To help them continue to live in the communities they know and love, suitable applications targeting these areas will be prioritised.”
The 2018-19 ACAR application period is open for six weeks, from July 2 until August 10.
Application forms and guidelines are available at https://agedcare.health.gov.au/funding/aged-care-approvals-round-acar/2018-19-aged-care-approvals-round
