ACT gets HACC funding
The ACT will receive $1.3 million worth of funding for Home and Community Care Services.
Older adults in the ACT will be the recipients of an additional $1.3 million worth of Home and Community Care (HACC) services, following an announcement of the rollout by the government yesterday.
Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler, and ACT Minister for Health Katy Gallagher announced that the money will go towards those older adults whose capacity for independent living is at risk.
The funding will provide a range of basic maintenance and support services to frail aged people, people with a disability and their carers so that they can remain living independently in the community.
The program is estimated to provide services to over 11,000 vulnerable people in the territory. Additional services will include case management, client care coordination, counselling/support information and advocacy, domestic assistance, meals, personal care, respite care and social support.
“This funding will help many people stay at home rather than move prematurely into residential care, providing the practical assistance that many older Australians need.” Mr Butler said.
“People want to remain independent, in their own homes and communities, close to friends and family for as long as they can,” he said.
Ms Gallagher said that the additional HACC funds will enhance service provision for the most at-risk sections of the territory’s community.
“This boost in funding will assist seniors and people with a disability in the ACT to prepare for events like extreme weather conditions, at the same time enabling community organisations to put into action new ways of delivering HACC services,” Ms Gallager said.
“The funds will also assist the purchase of a bus for community transport, and assistive technology, goods and equipment to enhance independent living in the home and community.”