The health minister, Mark Butler, will detail savings from the NDIS on Wednesday, and reveal that some of the savings will go to help older Australians with the provision of essential services like showering, dressing support and continence management.
Labor is winding back elements of its aged care reforms, removing out-of-pocket costs for non clinical services in the Support at Home scheme.
The government has faced criticism from advocates for the elderly, experts and aged care providers, who said these personal care services are essential for people’s independence and ability to stay at home.
Minister for aged care, Sam Rae, said the changes will be effective from 1 October this year.
double quotation markShowering, dressing, continence care - these aren’t optional extras. They’re the basics of ageing with dignity, and no older Australian should miss out because of cost.
Older Australians, their families and providers told us these services needed to be protected. We’ve listened, and we’re acting.
