Anglicare Australia has welcomed continued funding for aged care reform in tonight’s Federal Budget, including support for the transition to the new aged care system and further funding for aged care worker pay rises.
“Older Australians deserve a system built on dignity, quality and timely support. This Budget continues important funding for the transition to the new aged care system, and that continuity matters. Older people and providers alike need certainty as these major reforms are implemented,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
However, Ms Chambers said the Budget missed two critical opportunities to strengthen the transition to the new Support at Home system.
“Anglicare Australia is disappointed that the Budget does not include an increase in the care management cap for Support at Home to at least 15 percent,” she said.
“Care management is not an optional extra. It is what helps older people navigate increasingly complex systems, remain safe at home, and access the support they need.
“We also continue to call for a review of the adequacy of care management policy settings to ensure the new system genuinely works for older Australians with complex needs.”
Ms Chambers also expressed concern about the lack of new investment in the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
“Care at home is absolutely vital for many older Australians, particularly those with lower-level needs who rely on simple supports to remain independent,” she said.
“We needed to see long-overdue investment in home care alongside careful planning and funding reform to ensure a smooth and secure transition to the new system.
“Without this, there is a real risk that older people fall through the cracks during a period of major system change.”
Ms Chambers said Anglicare Australia would continue working with Government to strengthen the aged care reforms.
“The transition to the new system is one of the biggest changes to aged care in decades,” she said.
“It is essential we get it right. Older Australians deserve a system they can trust, and providers need the certainty and resources to deliver the quality care people deserve.”