APPLICATIONS have opened for funding for aged care providers to provide support to older people to live independently in the community.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt said growth funding of up to $115 million over two years is available to existing and prospective aged care providers under the Commonwealth Home Support Program Growth Funding Round.
"This Program provides entry-level support to help older people continue to live independently and remain in their homes for longer," Minister Wyatt said.
"Growth funding allows the sector to respond to the changing aged care needs and growth in Australia's ageing population.
"Funding could be used to provide help with household chores, prepare meals, transport clients to appointments or provide social support with shopping or group activities.
"The Growth Funding Round will specifically target identified priority areas to address existing gaps in home support services across Aged Care Planning Regions for identified client groups.
"We've consulted widely with the health and aged care sectors, national peak organisations, state and local governments to identify where the gaps are in service delivery," Mr Wyatt said.
"These can vary, depending on local needs and the availability of local services. Priority will be given to applications that address these service gaps.
"It provides an opportunity for new players to enter the market, or for existing providers to expand their services."
The CHSP Growth Funding Round closes at 2pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, November 29.
Information for applicants, including the target priority services and locations, is available on the Department of Health's website.
Applicants can also contact a dedicated hotline on 1800 214 398 or email aged_care_grant@health.gov.au
