Media releases

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Meeting the needs of older Territorians in Lingiari

Growing old in remote and regional Northern Territory became a little easier today with the announcement of an additional 36 home-based aged care places funded through the Federal Government’s latest Aged Care Approvals Round.

Member for Lingiari, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, said there were 17 new Community Aged Care Packages for Alice Springs, while in East Arnhem Land, 6 will be delivered in Ramingining and 10 in Milingimbi, with a combined value of over $426,380.

“The Community Aged Care packages ensure our older Territorians who wish to remain independent and in their own home and community, are still given the support services they need such as help with meals, laundry or dressing and bathing,” Mr Snowdon said.

“In addition Alice Springs will also receive 3 Extended Aged Care at Home places which offers access to 24 hour nursing, still within the home environment.”

A further $120,660 for Lingiari in Community and Flexible Care Grants will help to establish the aged care services in Ramingining, and additional services in Alice Springs. The grants enable the purchase of essential equipment such as office equipment or motor vehicles or providing funds for staff recruitment.

The new community care places are in addition to the Home and Community Care (HACC) services provided to elderly and disabled people through the $1.2 billion in Australian Government funding that will be provided to the states and territories for 2009-10. Last year this program assisted more than 830,000 Australians.

Mr Snowdon said no Australian Government has provided more financial support to aged and community care than the Rudd Government.

“The Rudd Government is committed to providing the type of care that people need, when they need it and in the form that they prefer,” Mr Snowdon said.

Additional information on the 10,447 new aged care places created nationally through the 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round is available at http://www.health.gov.au/acar2008-2009  

Media Adviser: Kate Sieper - 0488 484 689

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 02 July 2009.