ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING TO KEEP SENIOR AUSTRALIANS IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE SAFE

Residential aged care providers in Barker will benefit from an additional COVID-19 specific support package totalling $205 million under targeted measures announced by the Morrison Government. 

It takes the total COVID-19 specific Federal Government funding for aged care to more than $850 million. 

The latest injection of funds is aimed at ensuring aged care providers can offer reinforced levels of safety and care for those who need it most. 

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said the Morrison Government was supporting Aged Care facilities with the additional costs associated with care during the pandemic.

“Senior Australians are highly vulnerable to coronavirus and we are seeing the cost the pandemic is having on facilities around the country,” Mr Pasin said. 

“This is about keeping those people in residential aged care, protected and safe.” 

The announcement comes as National Cabinet assessed an aged care sector code of conduct for visitations to ensure residents are not only being kept safe but continue to receive the social and emotional support they need from their families during the pandemic. 

The payment will be received by all Commonwealth funded residential aged care providers and is aimed at covering the additional costs of caring for the health and wellbeing of residents during the pandemic. 

The costs include additional staffing, training, supporting visitations and connections and the provision of personal protective equipment. 

Facilities outside major metropolitan areas will receive a 50 per cent loading to cover the additional costs of providing care in these areas. 

This means in Barker, facilities will receive around $1350 per resident.

“This will make a big difference to so many aged care facilities in Barker. And it’s reassuring for family and friends that aged care facilities are being supported to ensure their loved ones are being looked after to the highest standard during this difficult time,” Mr Pasin said.   

The latest round of funding follows the $235 million retention bonus paid to residential and home care workers to strengthen the workforce during the pandemic and $101 million to support providers directly impacted by an outbreak.

Additionally, the Business Improvement Fund has been extended for another year with $48 million in support as required by providers.