Grant to bolster geriatric services in west

"For seniors living in Maranoa, access to services, suitable housing, and social connectedness can be difficult at times.”

The grant will help boost western services. Picture: Bev Lacey

AGED care services in the Maranoa could be in for boost, with Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud encouraging providers to apply for a share in grants that aim to provide more rooms for the elderly.

With 2018-19 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) opening last week, Minister Littleproud said this year's allocation was a result of the Government's $5 billion aged care Budget boost.

"It's a tragedy for rural communities when our seniors are forced to move away from family, friends and everything they have ever known to a larger town or city to receive care as their needs change,” Mr Littleproud said.

"For seniors living in Maranoa, access to services, suitable housing, and social connectedness can be difficult at times.

"That's why this invest- ment is so important as it will help more people have access to high-quality, higher-level aged care services.”

A total of 13,500 new residential care places and 775 short-term restorative care places are on offer across the nation, along with $60 million in capital grants for aged care construction.

Originally published as Grant to bolster geriatric services in west