Stability in aged care funding is good news

The peak body for Baptist aged care organisations, Baptist Care Australia, applauds the government’s decision to maintain stability for aged care funding in the Federal Budget.

“Baptist Care Australia welcomes no further cuts to aged care funding given the history of cuts in recent years,” said Marcia Balzer, Executive Director of Baptist Care Australia.

“Unless very well targeted and based on strong evidence, funding cuts ultimately affect the care provided to our older people.

“Instead, the government has made commitments to address some of the current issues facing the sector.

“The extension of the Commonwealth Home Support Program funding will help smooth the path to ongoing reform in aged care home services.

“Funding for an aged care workforce strategy ($1.9 million) and the My Aged Care platform ($3.1 million)will help address some of the current stumbling blocks in the policy reform agenda.

“The government is undertaking a long-term program of reform. We applaud the commitment to consultation and sustainable funding that the Turnbull government is making in relation to aged care reform.

“This considered and consultative approach is the best way to secure results for older Australians, and make sure that less advantaged older people are still cared for well.

“At the same time, there needs to be greater acknowledgement of the practical implications of such significant reform. Arrangements to support providers during the transition would help to ensure a smooth transition to the new policy environment,” Ms Balzer said.

Baptist Care Australia is a signatory to the Principles for Funding Aged Care Services developed by a network of not-for-profit aged care providers.

The Baptist Care Australia network provides aged care services to more than 27,000 older Australians. It includes 1600 residential care beds, 3700 retirement village units and services for 18,500 clients in their homes. Baptist Care Australia is a network of independent community service organisations aligned to the Baptist Church. Our community services also support children and adults who are homeless, living with disability, escaping family violence, in out-of-home care, or who need low-cost housing.

ENDS

Contact: Marcia Balzer, Executive Director, Baptist Care Australia, marcia.balzer@baptistcareaustralia.org.au, 0430 175 310