Ongoing Covid support for aged care homes

The federal government is providing $318 million to fund Covid-19 support measures for residential aged care homes next year.

From 1 January 2024, a new Aged Care Outbreak Management Supplement will replace Covid grants and provide continued support for the sector for another 12 months.

The supplement will help residential aged care providers manage potential outbreaks. A surge workforce will also be on hand to assist aged care providers impacted by the pandemic.

Residential aged care, multi-purpose service and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flexible aged care providers will receive around $940 per resident in 2024.

“The Albanese Government continues to make significant investment into Covid-19 aged care supports,” said Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells in a statement. “The simplified payment process will remove the need for providers to apply for Covid-19 grants and contribute to planning and outbreak management costs.”

Ms Wells added: “Vaccinations, antiviral treatments, well-trained and dedicated aged care workers, and greater awareness have all contributed to protecting our older community.”

According to the latest government figures, there have been a total of 16,603 Covid outbreaks across 2,844 aged care homes across the country since the pandemic began. During that time, almost 6,000 aged care residents have died of the disease.

Information on aged care Covid-19 support is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

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