651 extra transition care places
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has announced that from 1 July 2010, the Australian Government will provide 651 new transition care places to help up to 4,800 older people leave hospital sooner and take pressure off the state and territory hospital systems.
The new places will be fully funded by the Australian Government as part of its $293.2 million commitment to provide an additional 2,000 transition care places by 30 June 2012.
The transition care program is about helping older people get the most appropriate care and rehabilitation when and where they need it.
Transition care provides up to 12 weeks of clinical and practical support such as physiotherapy and nursing support or personal care to help older people recover and regain their independence.
It can be offered in the home, in community rehabilitation centres and temporarily in residential aged care homes.
The new places will be rolled-out from 1 July, 2010 and will become operational throughout the financial year.
