Govt fast tracks respite care for elderly bushfire victims
In a one-off measure, the Australian Government has fast-tracked the care for 16 older Australians – who lived in the bushfire areas – by removing care assessments enabling them to get emergency respite care in aged care homes.
Five of the 16 were accepted from hospitals; another has since been taken in by a family member while another person has subsequently passed away. There are now 14 in nursing homes.
The measure gave them immediate access to both accommodation and care. This was until they are able to make longer-term arrangements or decide that they wish to be admitted to aged care on a permanent basis.
On 10 February, the Australian Government removed the requirement for prior Aged Care Assessment Team assessments for older people affected by the fires.
“This is about getting the support older Victorians need – whether it is a nursing home or help at home,” the Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot said.
Aged care assessments teams assess the care needs of older Australians to help determine their eligibility for Australian Government-funded services – such as community aged care and aged care homes.
The emergency funding would be made available to all Victorian aged care homes that provide respite for people with temporary care needs.
Care may include in-home care for people who have lost their carers, respite in overnight cottages for those who have lost their homes, or a temporary stay in a nursing home.
Emergency funding has been made available under the National Respite for Carers Program so that Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres can purchase or broker respite for people with temporary care needs.
