Media Release
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON KEN WYATT AM, MP
Existing and prospective aged care providers of Commonwealth Home Support Program services are invited to apply for funding to support older people to live independently within their communities.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said growth funding of up to $115 million over two years from 2016-17 is available 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.”
Minister Wyatt said 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,” Minister 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 opened for grant applications on Monday, 17 October and closes at 2pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 29 November 2016. Applicants have six weeks to lodge their applications.
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 for more information.
For more information, contact the Minister’s Office on 02 6277 4707.
Full media release available here.