Thirty years ago people were younger and more independent when they sought aged care in multi-purpose services in Western NSW towns, reports federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
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But nowadays they are “staying home longer” because of government-funded packages which help the elderly with the likes of housekeeping and bathing, he says.
When the time comes to move into a multi-purpose service the elderly need high-level care immediately, Mr Coulton says.
“We are really seeing a change,” he said after announcing about $500,000 for nine multi-purpose services to upgrade the care status of 31 beds to high.
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The money from the 2018/2019 Flexible Aged Care Places (Multi-Purpose Services) Allocations Round forms part of a funding boost of $5 billion for the sector in the previous federal budget.
Mr Coulton said the new investment would pay for “more staff and other resources”.
The Western NSW Local Health District has scored all but about $17,000 of the funding for eight multi-purpose services.
Warren Multi-Purpose Service will get about $102,800 for six beds while Nyngan, Coolah and Baradine each will receive more than $85,600 for five beds.
Dunedoo has been allocated about $51,400 for three beds and Collarenebri, Tottenham and Trangie about $34,270 each for two beds.
Mr Coulton said it was “so important” to keep people in their communities and near their families and friends in their final years, months and days.
“People receiving aged care with increasingly complex care needs will get the care they need, where and when they need it,” he said.