The Turnbull Government is providing an additional $649 million per year to create 9911 new residential aged care places with the electorate of Canning – which includes Mandurah and Pinjarra – set to benefit.
“I welcome the news of the increased funding through the 2016-17 Aged Care Approvals Round and the allocation it makes to Canning,” Canning MP Andrew Hastie said.
“Bedingfeld Lodge in Pinjarra has received funding for an additional 25 beds.”
Mr Hastie said the additional funding would enable a significant expansion of their existing capacity, particularly for people suffering from dementia.
“With our rapidly ageing population, the Australian Government is committed to providing a sustainable aged care system that meets the needs of our older Australians,” he said.
“This allocation also reflects the federal government’s recognition of our regional status, which was factored into this decision.
“Canning is one of many rural and remote regions across Australia that will benefit, with 27.4 per cent of all residential places allocated to non-metropolitan areas.”
The new residential aged care places follow the announcement of 475 Short-Term Restorative Care places made available through the 2016-17 Aged Care Approvals Round in February 2017.
These Short-Term Restorative Care places, worth an estimated total expenditure of up to $34.7 million a year, provide flexible aged care options that will help older people remain in their own homes for longer after injury or illness.
“Australians want greater choice and control over the care they receive and these changes do exactly that,” Mr Hastie said.
Information about the 2016−17 Aged Care Approvals Round outcomes, including details of the successful approved providers, is available on the internet by going to agedcare.health.gov.au/2016-17acar/results.
