Funding boost for Home and Community Care

Older people and those with a disability in Western Australia will benefit from a $19.3million increase in funding, including $9.4million for new or expanded Home and Community Care (HACC) services in the State.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the additional funding will be used to target priority areas such as the $175,000 that will go to the Midwest and Gascoyne Health Region for capital purchases to support the delivery of existing services in the Mid-West region.

Announcing the extra funding for 2013-14 today, Health Minister Kim Hames said community-based support services were a key component in supporting people across the continuum of care, providing choice and care closer to home.

“Western Australia’s total HACC program funding for 2013-14 will rise by 7.8 per cent to $266.4million - $104.7million of which is provided by the State Government,” Dr Hames said.

“Without HACC services such as nursing, social support, respite care, domestic assistance, and transport services, many people would not be able to continue living independently in the community.”

The Minister said the additional funds would support more people to maintain their independence and connection with their community.

“In Western Australia we are targeting funding to expand existing services and establish new services in identified priority areas of need,” he said.

“The non-government sector plays a pivotal role in developing and providing quality services to meet the needs of older people and people with disabilities, plus services for Aboriginal people, people with dementia and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”