More than a dozen Federally funded residential aged care providers on the Central Coast will benefit from an additional COVID-19 specific support package, totalling $205M, which was announced on May 6.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the latest injection of funds was aimed at ensuring aged care providers can offer reinforced levels of safety and care for those who are most vulnerable within our community.
“Senior Australians are considered highly vulnerable when it comes to the coronavirus,” Wicks said.
“This [package] will ensure residents can not only be kept safe but continue to receive the social and emotional support they need from their families at this time,” Wicks said.
The announcement came after the National Cabinet assessed an aged care sector code of conduct for visitations.
The payment, to all Commonwealth funded residential aged care providers, will be linked to the number of residents being cared for by each facility and will be aimed at covering the additional costs of caring for the health and wellbeing of residents during the pandemic.
Additional costs could include increased demand in staffing, training, supporting visitations and connections and the provision of personal protective equipment
Facilities outside major metropolitan areas will receive a 50 per cent loading to cover the additional costs of providing care in these areas.
Providers will receive around $900 per resident in major metropolitan areas and around $1350 per resident in all other areas.
“The health, wellbeing and safety of elderly residents is our highest priority,” Wicks said.
“This measure helps reassure family and friends that everything is being done to look after their loved ones during this most difficult time.”
The funding follows the $235M retention bonus paid to residential and home care workers to strengthen the workforce during the pandemic and $101M to support providers directly impacted by an outbreak.
Additionally, the Business Improvement Fund has been extended for another year with $48M in support as required by providers.
Source: Media release, May 6 2020 – Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks