Catholic Healthcare, parent body of Tumut’s Blakeney Lodge have applauded Tuesday night’s federal budget, which included $17.7 billion for aged care.
“A $17.7 billion package of support for aged care over the next five years means we can further enhance care for senior Australians living in regional areas,” A Catholic Healthcare spokesperson said.
“At Blakeney Lodge, this additional funding will mean increased support and training for our passionate team who care for residents. Additional funding will also support more tailored care to better meet the needs of older Australians, particularly those living with dementia.”
The spokesperson said the funding would help deliver improved, quality care in aged care homes across Australia.
“Supporting nurses working in regional and remote areas is also very welcome, as well as offering incentives for nurses to continue further study and additional training to better meet the needs of older Australians,” the spokesperson said.
“Attracting more people to choose a career in aged care will help increase a skilled and dedicated workforce, which will also contribute to improved care for residents in aged care homes.”
Bupa ANZ CEO Hisham El-Ansary also welcomed the Federal Government’s budget announcement to invest in aged care.
“I commend the Government for facing into this important issue for all Australians,” he said.
He believes Tuesday night’s announcement will help close the significant gap between the cost of providing care and current funding.
“This represents a meaningful first step towards improving the care available to older Australians,” Mr El-Ansary said.
He said Bupa strongly supported initiatives that will help attract and retain a long-term, caring and compassionate workforce, as well as those designed to professionalise the sector.
“I’ve said for some time that an appropriately funded aged care sector would enable us to increase the time our nurses, carers and other team members spend with our residents,” he said.
“So, the announcement that providers will be funded to offer residents 200 minutes of direct care per resident per day is very significant.”
Mr El-Ansary said that investments that improve standards of care, quality and governance will go a long way towards professionalising what has traditionally been a cottage industry.
“This is about ensuring quality providers can not only survive, but also improve and grow as we address the demand that will come from baby boomers entering residential aged care.
“We support the choice of people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, but for many, this is not an option. The proposed investment in residential care is a positive step forward, but ongoing investment is critical to ensure long term sustainability of the sector.
“Caring for older Australians is a responsibility the community shares. We welcome universal access to high quality care and additional government funding, but also recognise the importance of users contributing more to the cost of their own accommodation and living expenses, where they can afford to do so.” Mr El-Ansary added.
Mr El-Ansary said as the Budget had just been released, Bupa would take some time to consider its impact.
Local aged care providers welcome big budget spend - Tumut and Adelong Times
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