Government launches ACFA investigation into respite care

The Aged Care Financing Authority has commenced a review into the use and funding of respite care services in Australia.

The Aged Care Financing Authority has commenced a review into the use and funding of respite care services in Australia.

The study, which is currently seeking public submissions, will examine respite services across both residential and community aged care.

A review into respite care was one of the 38 recommendations to government contained in the Tune Review tabled in parliament in September.

The independent report by David Tune noted the number of people accessing residential respite care had increased and the drivers and supply of respite services needed to be further explored.

The Tune Review said the availability of respite care would also need to increase as a greater number of older people were cared for at home.

The ACFA review is currently examining access and funding issues, including the costs for consumers and carers.

While the Tune report analysed data specific to residential respite, the Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt has asked ACFA to review respite services accessed across the aged care system, including through the Commonwealth Home Support Program and home care packages.

Last financial year, more than 40,000 clients received respite care through the CHSP at a cost of $248 million, while nearly 60,000 accessed residential respite care.

ACFA released a public consultation paper on 9 March seeking the views of the sector. Submissions in response to the paper close 13 April.

ACFA is due to report to government at the end of October.

Download the discussion paper here.

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Tags: acfa, CHSP, community-care-review-slider, home-care-packages, Ken Wyatt, residential-respite, respite, review, Tune-Review,

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