Victorian dementia funding to ‘make up’ for shortfall
More than $80 million in funding will go towards boosting the health and wellbeing of Victoria’s older people, including $13.5 million in dementia funding to make up the shortfall created after the federal government axed the dementia and severe behaviours supplement from 31 July this year.
The supplement had provided a payment of $16 a day for each eligible dementia patient in residential care homes.
The dementia funding commitment includes $6 million for research and $7.5 million to boost diagnosis, treatment and support services.
Seniors welcomed the announcement by Victoria’s Napthine Government in the lead up to next Saturday's state election.
Premier Denis Napthine announced that, if elected, a Coalition government will provide an $85 million funding package aimed at improving seniors’ health.
The package also includes a $27 million boost to elective surgery for seniors for procedures such as hip, knee and cataract operations; and $32.4 million to boost community based mental health care for seniors, and a new hotline and information service for children and carers of older people with a mental illness.
Arnold Bates, National Seniors Victorian policy chair, says the funding measures were a welcome step in the right direction.
“The funding boost will be received and well used but it remains to be seen if the government will deliver on its commitment and how long it will take to do so,” Mr Bates says.
“Senior Victorians face many challenges and the high cost of living, including utilities such as power and gas, also impacts on the well-being of older people. These costs need to be addressed by whichever party wins power on 29 November.”
