Applications Open for Record Aged Care Offering

Existing and prospective aged care providers are encouraged to apply for a share in a record offering of more than 14,200 new aged care places, with a special focus on allocations in rural, regional and remote locations.

Opening the 2018-19 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) today, Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the offering was 35 per cent bigger than the previous round and was a result of the Turnbull Government’s $5 billion aged care Budget boost.

“We are offering 13,500 new residential care places, 775 short-term restorative care places and importantly, a further $60 million in capital grants to encourage more investment in areas of greatest need,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to improving access to residential aged care for people living in regional, rural and remote areas.

“To help them continue to live in the communities they know and love, suitable applications targeting these areas will be prioritised.

“Of course, with the significant number of residential aged care places on offer, applications from our cities are still encouraged, particularly those looking to address areas of high need and meet the diverse range of care required.”

The Minister said the additional 775 Short-Term Restorative Care Places were aimed at giving more choice to older Australians.

“Short term restorative care aims to slow or even reverse functional decline by providing time-limited, re-ablement care with wraparound services to help people get back on their feet again,” Minister Wyatt said.

The 2018-19 ACAR application period is open for six weeks, from 2 July until 10 August.

Application forms and guidelines are now available on the Department of Health website.

The nominal allocation of places in the 2018-19 ACAR is: