More meal support for elderly living at home
Older Australians living at home and utilising meal delivery services are set to benefit from an announcement of $8 million in additional Government funding for meals providers through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Home delivery services, including Meals On Wheels are legendary (Source: Shutterstock)
The funding is provided by the Federal Government with Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt saying that supporting people to live as independently as possible in the comfort of their own home is a “top priority”.
“Home delivery services, including Meals On Wheels are legendary,” the Minister says.
“When a volunteer visits the home of an older Australian, they do more than provide a healthy meal – the visit is also an opportunity to have a friendly chat and to check on that person’s wellbeing.”
He adds that we “need to maintain and grow this type of service into the future”.
Currently through the CHSP, the Australian Government provides $65 million to more than 560 meals providers to support older people in their homes Australia wide.
Up to $8 million will be made available to increase funding for some 232 CHSP meals providers, with Minister Wyatt saying affected providers will be contacted directly by the Health Department over the next few weeks.
“I have listened to the aged care sector and we all agree it’s important that a reliable, quality meal service for older Australians will help ensure they stay strong and connected to their community,” Minister Wyatt says.
“I am making additional funds available and, importantly, allocating them in a more equitable way, to address historical differences in funding across the country.
“This is a great outcome for older Australians and the meals providers who will be able to continue their important service in the years ahead.”
Further work to support the CHSP meals providers will be considered in line with future reforms to aged care.
The funding announcement for meals providers comes in addition to the announcement of 6000 additional home care packages, and a $20 million revamp of the My Aged Care website.
