Applications for the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) opened today, with existing and prospective providers of Australian Government-funded aged care across Durack encouraged to apply.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said there will be 10,940 residential aged care places and 6,045 home care places allocated across Australian through the 2015 ACAR.

This includes 1,260 residential aged care places and 438 home care places across WA.

“The ACAR will deliver more residential aged care places and home care places to help further meet demand for aged care,” Ms Price said.

“This round continues to expand the Home Care Packages Programme, giving people more options to live independently in their home, with more choice and flexibility over the services they receive.

“In recognition of community need for home care places for people with more complex care needs, the Australian Government is releasing 1,729 more Level 3 and Level 4 home care places than the 2014 ACAR—an increase of 45 per cent.

“Up to $67 million in capital grants will also be offered as part of the 2015 ACAR, under the Rural, Regional and Other Special Needs Building Fund.

“These grants encourage greater investment in areas of high need, with $11.5 million allocated to support access to residential aged care for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”

For more information on the 2015 ACAR, including information on how to apply, please visit dss.gov.au/2015ACAR.

All applications must be received by 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 25 September 2015.