National Seniors Australia has welcomed news of an extra 80,000 Home Care Packages and additional care time for residents in residential aged care as part of this year’s budget.
However, the aged care advocacy body says it is disappointed that thousands of people needing the highest level of home care will still be left waiting.
National Seniors Chief Advocate, Ian Henschke (pictured) says the boost in Home Care Packages shows the Government has listened.
“Since day one of the Royal Commission when home care was described as the running sore in aged care, we have campaigned hard to get extra packages after 16,000 older Australians died waiting for a HCP in one twelve month period,” he said.
“Our work is not done yet, but this is a good start.
“However once again it’s the people needing the highest level of home care who are missing out with six thousand extra Level 4 packages next financial year, and a further six thousand the following year.”
“Scott Morrison promised to restore faith in the system when he announced the Royal Commission. Tonight’s Budget has gone some way to restoring that faith but more needs to be done,” he said.
Mr Henschke also welcomed extra care time allocated to those in residential aged care, but says it is something the government needs to build on.
“This is not the end of aged care repair, we’re just getting started,” he said.
