WA Labor promises big-spending on aged care
In the lead up to the Western Australia state election, WA Labor has promised $140 million to the aged care sector if re-elected, including low-interest loans to providers to boost bed availability.
The Labor Party in Western Australia has announced a $140 million package to support aged care services across the state if re-elected. Headlining the package is a new $100 million low-interest loan facility for providers to deliver more aged care beds.
The loans will assist providers deliver more concessional aged care beds and provide funding to expand existing facilities and refurbish unused facilities.
The loan facility is estimated to support the delivery of 500 additional concessional aged care beds, helping to alleviate pressure on the hospital system.
Not-for-profit WA provider Juniper has welcomed the election promise, calling for bipartisan support on the commitment.
“Today’s announcement is excellent news for the Western Australian community, with a loan arrangement providing the underpinning financials to create more accommodation options and increase supply that is so sorely needed by older Western Australians,” said Juniper chief executive officer Russell Bricknell.
“WA Labor’s commitment today recognises the vulnerability many older Western Australians are facing with the current housing and cost of living crisis, coupled with demand for residential aged care beds outstripping supply.”
“We believe every older Australian deserves access to quality care and accommodation, no matter their financial means. By targeting concessional beds with today’s promise, it means older Western Australians who qualify as concessional customers with low income and few assets will not be left behind.”
The package also includes initiatives aimed at expanding facilities, delivering more aged care beds, improving health outcomes for older western Australians and alleviating pressure on the state’s health system.
WA Labor has also committed to piloting an Australian-first model of care with the establishment of Integrated Older Adult Care Hubs and a $1 million investment to establish the state’s first Dementia Action Plan – if a Cook Labor government is re-elected.
The Integrated Older Adult Care hubs would be piloted across three locations and provide older adults with chronic and complex conditions a full range of services to support them living well in the community and avoid preventable hospitalisations.
Hubs will have clinical staff, including GPs, geriatric specialists, physiotherapists and psychologists, palliative care services, dementia services, including memory clinics and advanced care planning, and supports to assist families navigate aged care services.
There will also be a $5 million grant and $10 million low interest loan to support the delivery of a 90-100 bed facility providing culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal people in the Perth suburb of Queen’s Parkcalled Sister Kate’s Aged Care facility.
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