AU Government Furthers Funding for Aged Care
In an article published by the Aged Care Guide a month ago, they highlighted the Federal Government’s announcement of a $563.3 million boost to the aged care sector in response to COVID-19. The Federal Government also expressed some criticisms on the aged care management sector. These criticisms were primarily directed towards Australian Aged Care Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck.
The said funding boost will be spent on aged care for senior Australians. The funding will also help in securing the age care industry further during the coronavirus crisis.
The Australian Minister of Health Greg Hunt expressed his commitment to supporting the elderly, and the aged care workforce and providers in Victoria. He stated that there will also be a $205 million COVID-19 Support Payment to all residential Aged Care providers in June 2020.
The funding is said to support the infection control enhancement capability, and to address other COVID-19 costs. As for the Aged Care providers, this funding is made available only for COVID-19 related costs.
The said funding has been extended for a further 8-12 weeks with an available $92.4 Million. This funding allocation will cover the costs of single-site workforces in hotspots such as in Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire areas.
The goal is to provide an incentive to aged care workers across the country since they too are risking their lives serving as front liners and providing continuous invaluable care for senior Australians. A worker retention bonus is also paid in July 2020.
The Federal Government also extended support for the elderly who wish to move out of the retirement home facility to be living together with their families. Since anxiety and loneliness crept most during the lockdown announcements worldwide, this government support would also help in fostering the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the elderly.
Another $71.4 Million had been added by the government for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist the elderly from moving out of the retirement facility back to their respective communities.
ETEA Private College stays updated with news such as this. Together with the government, Education Training & Employment Australia expresses support for elderly care. As a Registered Training Organisation, ETEA College offers a Cert. IV in Ageing Support to shape the competencies and qualifications of participants who would like to succeed in the age care support role. For more details, you can visit their website at https://www.etea.edu.au/ or contact them via email at info@etea.edu.au.
