Extra $15 million to support independent living

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt says the funding means greater certainty, more options and more independence for older Australians.

“Many more people will be able to live safely at home, secure in the knowledge they can remain in the communities they know and love for as long as possible,” Minister Wyatt says.

Currently, around 200 CHSP providers are funded approximately $44.5 million a year to deliver home modification services to support senior Australians.

Modifications, such as installing ramps around the house, a grab rail in the shower and handrails next to steps, provide crucial assistance for people to live and move safely in their own homes.

“We know senior Australians want as many choices as possible to keep them at home in a secure environment that supports healthy living, especially if they are recovering from surgery or injury,” Minister Wyatt says.

“Modifications can be simple or technical but they can make a world of difference to quality of life.

This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion CHSP services.

Approximately 1,600 providers deliver the CHSP to around 800,000 senior Australians across the country. Services include domestic assistance, meals, transport, home maintenance, nursing and respite care, physiotherapy, podiatry and speech pathology.