Increased aged care funding across the Northern Rivers

MORE than $3.6 million of on-going funding to provide 77 Aged Home Care places and 14 new Residential Age Care bedsd across the Northern Rivers.

Arise Shine Fellowship Singers Gilly, Leanne and Moeisha Davis and Chloe Caldwell entertain residents of St Michael's Hostel, South Casino. Picture: Janelle McLennan

MORE than $3.6 million of on-going funding to provide 77 Aged Home Care places and 14 new Residential Age Care bedsd across the Northern Rivers have been announced.

“This ongoing funding will help meet demand for quality aged care services in the Northern Rivers and have the additional benefit of creating more jobs in the sector,” Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said.　

“Older Australians across our community will benefit from 77 new Home Care Places worth almost $2.7 million and 14 new residential aged care places worth almost $900,000.” 　

• St Michaels in Casino will get an extra 15 home care places
• Ballina-based Integrated Living will get an additional 15 Aged care Beds
• St Andrews, also in Ballina, will get 32 new Home Care places and 2 residential care places
• Crowley Retirement Village will also get 15 extra Home Care places.

“The Government believes older Australians want and deserve to have the support and care they need to live active and healthy lives, and to continue to choose the aged care services they need,” Mr Hogan said.　

“I am pleased that these additional Aged Care places will help meet the growing needs of older Australians in the Northern Rivers.　

“The new ongoing Home Care places will help older Australians remain living in their own home for as long as possible.”

The new funding is on top of the increase of more than $5.6 million of ongoing funding for Aged Care beds and places across the Northern Rivers.

Research by RDA Northern Rivers has found the Northern Rivers has a higher proportion of population aged over 60 (23%), compared with the state average of 17%.