By ANEEKA SIMONIS
OLDER people and those with a disability are now better placed to stay in their own homes due to joint-funding supporting their independence in the Kooweerup region.
Kooweerup Regional Health Service will receive $37,792 in funding under the state and federal government’s Home and Community Care (HACC) program.
The funding intends to help expand the health services’ existing program as well as create new ones in identified priority areas to allow people to stay in their own homes for longer and remain connected to their communities.
Federal Member for Flinders Greg Hunt said the program provided critical services that helped older people and people with a disability stay independent for longer by providing care where people preferred to receive it – in their own homes and communities.
“Older Australians deserve to have the support they need to lead active, healthy lives and to continue to stay in their own homes where possible,” he said.
State-wide, an additional $11.6 million in funding has been provided for new services in Victoria which will deliver an extra 200,000 hours of care and support in the home.
It includes nursing and allied health care, personal care, domestic assistance, meals and social support, as well as respite services for carers, without which many people wouldn’t be able to remain living independently.
“It is essential that our seniors and community members with a disability are kept safe and healthy while still remaining connected to their communities with as much independence as possible,” Mr Hunt explained.
The HACC Program provides support to more than 300,000 older Victorians, younger people with a disability and their carers.
