The 2017-18 Federal Budget will fund $5.5 billion to extend the funding agreements to assist older Australians to stay in their own homes. 

The additional budget will provide essential support services to more than 900,000 older Australians to help them continue living at home and their communities. 

The home support program will provide a range of different services such as popular meals on wheels, personal care, nursing and allied health and respite services. 

“In addition, the funding includes help with services like cleaning and shopping, home maintenance and modifications- basic but essential services for older people who choose to stay in their homes as they age,” Federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt said. 

Minister Wyatt estimated that the funding for aged care investment over the next five years will reach up to $99.3 billion. 
He added the importance of funding in aged care industry to boost supply, demand and improve productivity within the workforce. 

“It is estimated the aged care will need to expand the workforce to 980,000 by 2050 to respond to the demand of an ageing population,” Minister Wyatt said. 

“Improving access to a supply of workers is a major factor in sustaining services in regional, rural, remote and outer suburban locations. Specific and well-targeted workforce strategies will make a significant difference,” he added. 

Moreover, the Federal Budget provided addition funding of $3.1 million for ICT support for “My Aged Care” platform affecting 33,000 employees and assessment organisations.