Older Australians living at home will benefit from a Federal Government investment of an additional $8 million in funding for meals providers through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, said supporting people to live as independently as possible in the comfort of their own homes was a top priority.
“Home delivery services, including Meals On Wheels are legendary,” the Minister said. “When a volunteer visits the home of an older Australian, they do more than provide a healthy meal.
“The visit is also an opportunity to have a friendly chat and to check on that person’s wellbeing. We need to maintain and grow this type of service into the future.
The Australian Government, through the CHSP, currently provides $65 million to more than 560 meals providers to support older people in their homes.
“I have listened to the aged care sector and we all agree it’s important that a reliable, quality meal service for older Australians will help ensure they stay strong and connected to their community,” Minister Wyatt said.
“I am making additional funds available and, importantly, allocating them in a more equitable way, to address historical differences in funding across the country.
“Up to $8 million will be made available to increase funding for some 232 CHSP meals providers, with affected providers contacted directly by the Health Department over the next few weeks.
“This is a great outcome for older Australians and the meals providers who will be able to continue their important service in the years ahead.”
Further work to support CHSP meals providers will be considered in line with future reforms to aged care.