Federal Govt announces 12 more months of emergency leave provisions for aged care residents
Some good news for aged care residents worried about COVID outbreaks: the Federal Government’s emergency leave provisions have been extended another 12 months.
The scheme, which provides continued subsidies to aged care providers if residents leave to stay with family or other loved ones during disasters such as fire, flood, and COVID-19 outbreaks, was introduced in May 2020 before being extended twice to June this year, and will now end in June 2023.
According to the Federal Department of Health, this latest extension will save residents from having to use their social leave entitlements in an emergency.
“The continued availability of emergency leave will provide certainty and reassurance to residents who wish to temporarily relocate to stay with family at these times."
“Aged care homes will continue to be paid residential care subsidy when residents are on emergency leave, ensuring neither residents nor providers are disadvantaged,” the Department said.
Two tiers of support are also available for residents through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme: Tier 1, which provides personal care and nursing services equivalent to a Level 4 Home Care Package and is available from those who relocate from an aged care home significantly impacted by COVID-19, and Tier 2, which is available for all aged care residents who decide to temporarily return to the community during the pandemic and covers meals, transport, individual social support, unaccompanied shopping, allied health and therapy services, and lower level nursing and personal care.
For more information, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for Tier 2 support or Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for Tier 1 support.
