ACAR timeline announced
The dates for the approvals round have now been released but it remains to be seen if there will be much response from cash-strapped providers.
After finalising the first stage of its zero real interest loans commitment, the Commonwealth Government has unveiled the timeline for the 2008-09 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Although no details have been provided about the number of extra beds available, it is believed that the new round will deliver close to 12,000 combined residential and community places.
Official advertisements announcing the 2008-09 ACAR will appear in major newspapers on 8 November and applications will close a little over a month later, on 19 December.
The applications will be assessed between January and May next year and allocations from the round will be announced in June.
The process for the second stage of the zero real interest loans will begin in late 2009, following a review of the first stage.
The industry will be monitoring the uptake of residential places in this round closely, with evidence that many providers have put development plans on hold due to the high costs of construction and uncertainty about future care funding.
The Aged Care Industry Council is currently conducting an online survey to gain a detailed understanding of the industry’s construction plans over the next three years.
Click here to take part in the 10-minute survey.
