COTA WA welcomes Cook Government investment in residential aged care
Council on the Aging WA (COTA WA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Cook Government and the Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, of a $100 million Low-Interest Loan Scheme to expand residential aged care infrastructure across Western Australia.
This state-led initiative will provide concessional financing to support aged care providers to build, refurbish and expand facilities, with the aim of increasing the supply of concessional residential aged care beds that older Western Australians need and deserve.
Across WA, the shortage of residential aged care beds, particularly for people in concessional care, remains severe. On any given day hundreds of older Western Australians are waiting in hospital for an aged care placement, placing added strain on families and our health system.
COTA WA Chair Carmen Lawrence AO said the announcement was both timely and necessary.
This investment recognises the real pressures facing older Western Australians who need residential aged care. With concessional residential aged care beds at historic lows, the WA Government is demonstrating leadership by acting where the system has not kept pace with demand. “
COTA WA also applauds Minister McGurk’s ongoing advocacy for a fairer allocation of Home Care Packages to Western Australia. The Minister has consistently highlighted that Western Australia is not receiving its fair share of packages, a reality that older Western Australians and their families are experiencing firsthand as they wait for support across the state.
“Supporting older people to remain at home for as long as possible depends on equitable access to Home Care Packages. Minister McGurk’s ongoing advocacy on this issue is vital for the wellbeing, independence and dignity of older Western Australians,” said Dr Lawrence.
For over 65 years, COTA WA has been the trusted voice of older Western Australians, advocating for policies, systems and services that support people to age well, with dignity and choice.
ENDS
Media Contact: Mark Kinsela, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 0407 796 990
Email: markkinsela@cotawa.org.au
Website: www.cotawa.org.au
Posted in Information