44 NEW AGED CARE BEDS FOR THE SHOALHAVEN

Gilmore MP, Joanna Gash has welcomed a $2.3 million federal grant that will deliver extra 44 Aged Care Beds in the Shoalhaven, and improve services to an additional 36 existing places.

Mrs Gash said that two local aged care providers were successful in their applications under the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), and the Extra Service Applications (ESA) program.

Bupa Aged Care Berry has received 36 new ‘high care’ beds and funding to upgrade care to an additional 36 beds. Jonathon Rodgers House (RSL Lifecare) Nowra has also received funding for 8 new beds, which includes 4 beds allocated as ‘low care’.

“In 2012, Gilmore already has one of the highest median ages of any Australian Federal Electorate.” Mrs Gash explained.

“Nationwide, people are living longer, and with Australia’s population predicted to grow to 38 million by 2050, it is vital that we start to seriously improve our aged care capacity and infrastructure now.

“This latest round of funding, whilst welcome, is barely keeping up with demand, especially along the South Coast which is a favoured destination among retirees.”

“I will continue the lobby the Government for further local aged care funding to ensure that we are ready to meet both the demands of today, and pressures of the future.” Mrs Gash concluded.