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Further government funding has been made available for 100 regional and rural aged care providers to either expand a current facility or set up a new one.
The funding comes under the Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) program, a collaborative initiative between federal, state and territory governments to provide integrated allied health and aged care services to communities that cannot viably separate hospital and aged care facilities.
The MPS program, now in its third allocation round, has been operating since 2022 and has provided 157 rural and remote facilities with financial assistance.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said the Albanese government is committed to helping older Australians choose where and how they age.
“More residential care places mean that more older people in rural and remote Australia can live near their loved ones," Minister Wells said.
“Combined health and aged care services are integral to providing quality aged care in rural and remote communities.
“The additional 100 places for new or existing Multi-Purpose Services will make it easier for older people in rural and remote Australia to access care when they need it.”
We know the importance of maintaining social connections as we age, with research suggesting isolation is comparable to other common health risks, like obesity, physical inactivity and air pollution, on our ability to age well and live longer.
The MPS Program aims to address this issue by meeting the needs of rural and remote communities with improved access to a range of health and aged care services. It is designed to facilitate cost-effective quality care and improve the long-term viability of services.
This funding announcement comes as many are calling the government's commitment to aged care into question.
The aged care sector is still awaiting the outcome of months of debate between Labor and the Coalition on updated funding models and a the new Aged Care Act. Both reforms have suffered significant delays on the pathway to political bipartisanship.
Applications for funding close 25 October 2024. For more information visit the MPS website here.
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