No. 29

$1.8 MILLION ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR FRAIL AGED AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

The Stanhope Government has allocated an additional $1.8 million in the 2006-07 Budget to provide additional support for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to allow them to remain at home and to prevent their inappropriate or early admission to nursing homes.

Announcing this today, Health Minister Katy Gallagher said this initiative would provide additional services to meet the increasing demand for Home and Community Care (HACC) services in the Territory. 

“HACC services include domestic assistance, nursing, allied health, community transport, meals on wheels, social support, personal care and respite for carers,” Ms Gallagher said. 

“This initiative will target support services to frail aged and younger people with a disability, and their carers.

“Last financial year, more than 12,000 individuals received HACC support in the ACT.  With the increasing ageing of our population, HACC services and capacity, needs to increase to meet expected demand and the additional $1.8 million ensures that expansion.”

HACC is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the Territory.