The federal government has announced 222 new aged care places with a particular focus on Australia’s Greek community.
In a joint media release the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, and his colleague Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said there was a need to assist people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, pledging $19 million in capital grants to assist with the implementation of new services and facility upgrades.
With the announcement the Greek community is set to gain 44 new residential aged care places, with a further 178 home care places allocated to assist the elderly wishing to remain at home.
“This was a highly competitive round, clearly demonstrating renewed interest in aged care, following recent changes aimed at supporting service viability, reducing their compliance burden and increasing business flexibility,” the senators said.
The 2014 Aged Care Approvals Round delivered its highest number in aged care places since 2007.
For more information visit: www.dss.gov.au/2014ACAR