The federal government has committed an extra $440 million to support more older Australians to stay at home, including expanding culturally appropriate aged-care services for First Nations people.
The three-year investment, announced yesterday, adds to the Albanese Government’s 4.3 billion Support at Home package unveiled on 12 September.
According to the government, demand for entry level aged care services under its Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is growing, including in regional and remote areas and First Nations communities.
The Department of Health and Aged Care recently ran two grant rounds to improve access to domestic assistance, allied health, community transport and home maintenance, and equally, to expand culturally appropriate CHSP services for older First Nations people.
As a result, 116 new CHSP providers, including 18 First Nations organisations have been offered contracts to support delivery of services from 1 November 2024 to ensure more support is available. Meanwhile, 41 existing CHSP providers have been offered additional funding to boost availability of their most in-demand services and expand their delivery across new Aged Care Planning Regions and service types.
Along with the funding, the Government is also providing an extra $10 million for CHSP providers to help with the costs of transitioning to IT systems to comply with the new Aged Care Act from 1 July 2025.
“There will be new providers in every state and territory to support older people to access a range of services, including domestic assistance, allied health and therapy, community transport and home maintenance,” Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said.
“Bringing on new CHSP providers to support more older First Nations people is part of the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap and ensuring culturally safe and trauma informed aged care.”
“A home is so much more than just a comfortable space: it’s memories, independence, security, identity,” added Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney.
“Older Australians deserve to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
“Historically, we know there have been gaps in the provision of culturally appropriate aged care services. This investment demonstrates represents this government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring aged care service provision is holistic, safe and inclusive.
“Prioritising culturally appropriate aged care means a more inclusive, safe, and respectful experience for both elderly First Nations people and their families.”
