A Federal Government funding injection of $205 million for residential aged care providers has been welcomed by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia as a sensible supplement to help providers cope with the additional demands arising from the COVID-19 crisis.
The funding is $900 per bed in metropolitan areas and $1350 in regional areas which equates to $10 per bed per day for metro aged care providers, and $15 for regional and rural providers, over 90 days.
COTA Chief Executive, Ian Yates, welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement after a meeting of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Cabinet.
“The additional funding for residential aged care providers will help compensate for the costs of extra staff time, screening measures and hygiene control measures necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Mr Yates.
“This will help providers maintain ongoing safety measures and hygiene standards, and ensure residents still receive a high level of personal care in face of current challenges, which will often involve increased staff time.
“It is important that while providers respond to the very serious risks of COVID-19, the sector is supported to provide professional and compassionate care to their residents. Additional funding, including higher rates for providers outside Metropolitan areas that are more likely to struggle with staffing, is crucial for this.”
The cash boost is in addition to previous funding injections for staff retention, surge staffing when required due to outbreaks, extra home care services and other measures and brings total extra funding to over $800 million.
“I look forward to continued consultation with both the aged care sector and the Federal Government on a sensible, empathetic and evolving response to the threats posed by COVID-19,” said Mr Yates.
