OLDER people in Margaret River will benefit from an increase in funding for organisations that provide care closer to home.
Announced by state government on Tuesday, the increase in Home and Community Care funding means a total of $288 million has been allocated for 2014-15.
Health minister Kim Hames said this included $12.4 million for new or expanded services for organisations such as nursing, social support, respite care, domestic assistance and transport for people in the community.
Bess Home and Community Care is a not-for-profit elderly care group that operates in Margaret River as well as Busselton.
This can mean the difference between [elderly people] staying in their own home or having to enter residential care.
- BESS executive officer Julie Cooper (Busselton/Margaret River)
The organisation received $202,000 to expand its domestic assistance, home maintenance and social support services.
Based in Busselton, Bess executive officer Julie Cooper said the funds could mean the difference between elderly people staying in their own home or having to enter residential care.
The amount received by the organisation’s Margaret River branch will depend on its need.
“We are very pleased with the announcement,” Ms Cooper said.
“Older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness for many reasons.
“For us to receive funding in the area of social support means we will be able to continue to support current and new clients to get the social contact we all need.
“The extra funding for domestic assistance and home maintenance means we continue to support clients with those household tasks that they may find difficult.”
Dr Hames said community-based support was a key component in helping people access care.
The $288 million in Home and Community Care funds includes $113.2 million from the State Government and $174.8 million from the Australian Government.
The full list of organisations to receive more funding can be seen here.
The 2014-15 funding will focus on expanded and new services for Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with dementia.
