Unprecedented support for older homeless people
The government will amend the Aged Care Act to include older people as a ‘special needs’ group.
Older people living rough are big winners in the federal government’s landmark white paper on homelessness.
The government says it will amend the Aged Care Act 1997 to include older people who are homeless as a ‘special needs’ group.
The decision has been warmly welcomed by Bryan Lipmann, the CEO of Wintringham, a not-for-profit organisation which provides aged care, housing and outreach services to homeless, older people in Melbourne.
Mr Lipmann said he had been pushing for this type of recognition for over 10 years, with little success.
“It doesn’t guarantee that services are directed to these people but it does mean that homelessness is now an integral part of the planning process and that’s a big achievement,” he said.
“It is an extraordinarily important issue but traditionally the aged care industry has shown next to no interest in homeless aged care.”
“The government is absolutely to be congratulated,” Mr Lipmann added. “This has come as a direct result of the Prime Minister’s personal interest in homelessness. [Housing Minister] Tanya Plibersek and [Ageing Minister] Justine Elliot also deserve credit for their efforts to make sure this happened.
As part of the new policy direction, the government will provide places and capital funding support for four new specialist facilities by 2012.
The white paper stressed that these allocations would be directed towards organisations that met the stringent requirements of the Aged Care Approvals Round.
Mr Lipmann said the funding must also to be directed at organisations with a proper understanding of the needs of homeless people.
“The challenge is to see that this money goes to the right people,” he said, “not just any mainstream provider who suddenly happens to develop an interest in homeless services.”
The government has also committed to continue the Assistance for Care and Housing for the Aged program, investing $18.4 million over the next four years.
Peak body for seniors, COTA Over 50s said this policy direction was crucial as most older people wish to age in place.
“Housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of all Australians, and is particularly important for older people,” said the group’s Executive Director, Geoffrey Bird.
“It provides the secure base from which they can continue to participate in society and manage their health as they age.”
