Sharman Stone MP

 

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, said she had visited a number of aged care homes and hospitals across the electorate and the message has been loud and clear, aged care services need help in order to survive.

 

“The Labor Government has left our aged care services to landslide with many of our local services seriously concerned about how they would be able to keep their doors open without increased funding,” Sharman Stone said.

 

“The Coalition’s injection of $983 million of funding into the aged care sector will go a long way to resurrecting this. In its first year back in Government, the Coalition will negotiate an agreement with peak aged care bodies about residential aged care and community services arrangements.

 

 

“By communicating more effectively with the service providers we will reduce the red tape and start to deliver value for money through subsidy arrangements and ensure certainty for the aged care workforce.

 

Dr Stone said the Coalition would also take action to deliver up to 3,000 extra high-care residential beds.

 

Sharman Stone said it would not only be the aged care providers that would be positively affected by the Coalitions plans.

 

“We will support our unpaid carers through respite day care in aged care facilities to support the vital role of our carers.

 

A Coalition Government will also;

 

·         Expand the Dementia Program to include other chronic degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease

·         Tackle isolation among elderly Australians though a Companionship Program with grants to community organisations to increase the number of volunteers

·         Provide Convalescent Care to assist 20,000 older people waiting in hospital to return home and relieve pressure on public hospitals.

·         Provide grants for Pet Therapy in Aged Care Facilities

·         Declare 2012 as the year of Meals on Wheels.

“The delivery of high quality, affordable and accessible aged care that meets the needs and preferences of our older community members is a priority for the Coalition,” Sharman Stone said.