321 new aged care places in Mitchell

Older Australians in Mitchell will benefit from a substantial increase in funding for aged care services, with the Australian Government announcing over 17,000 new care places across the nation worth an estimated $910 million.

Following the announcement of the 2015 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), Federal Member for Mitchell, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, welcomed news 321 places had been created locally following a competitive application process conducted by the Department of Health.

“There is a strong demand for aged care in Mitchell and these additional places are essential in ensuring our elderly receive the quality care they deserve.”

Of the 321 new places, 264 include new residential places worth an estimated $16.3 million and 57 new home care places, worth over $2 million.

“It will either help expand existing services or create new places in priority areas of need, including:-

Anglican Retirement Villages, Hermon Slade House, Castle Hill

Aveo Bella Vista Aged Care, Bella Vista

Home Services Hills – BaptistCare Centre, Kellyville

Catholic Healthcare Limited, Baulkham Hills

This is the last ACAR to include home care places. From February 2017 funding will follow the consumer not the provider, allowing people to choose the care which suits their individual needs, to then direct funding to that provider.

“Australians want greater choice and control over the care they receive and the changes to home care we have created do exactly that,” concluded Alex Hawke MP.

More information about the results of the 2015 Aged Care Approvals Round is available at www.dss.gov.au/2015ACAR