In 2023, the Federal Government will introduce a new aged care program, Support from Home, replacing a number of current aged care funding streams including the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Support at Home is being developed in conjunction with older Australians, families, carers, the Australian Government’s Council of Elders and relevant stakeholders, including Vision Australia.
Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton said it’s important to be part of these conversations not only because the organisation receives funding to provide specialised services and programs through the CHSP but because older Australians living with significant vision loss require additional specialised services.
“Since the move to more individualised aged care funding was announced, we’ve continued to assess the proposed changes, make submissions and respond to all opportunities during the consultation process,” Ron said.
“We are also pleased to have Vision Australia board member and long-time client Bill Jolley appointed to the Council of Elders to provide representation on disability issues and vision loss with regards to ageing.”
A significant part of Vision Australia’s advocacy is for a simplified aged care system that gives people the care and support they need when they need it.
A step in the right direction
Manager of government relations and advocacy Chris Edwards said a big win for the blindness and low vision community is that special support programs for vision loss have been recognised in the new aged care program.
“Our advocacy to date has resulted in the government recognition that older Australians living with significant vision loss require additional specialised services to support their ongoing independence and ability to remain at home, and we are very pleased by this,” Chris said.
“It's really important to invest in specialised services that support older Australians with significant vision loss to remain at home. We know people want to age at home.”
“The aged care system redesign must retain the elements that are working well, such as our community engagement programs operated through the Commonwealth Home Support Program,” he said.
If you’d like to learn more about Support at Home, a summary document is available that compares the current in-home aged care programs with the new proposed program.
How you can get involved
Vision Australia encourages our clients to participate in the government consultation and provide their lived experience of the current aged care system and thoughts on what would make it better.
During 2022 there will be a number of government consultations with people who receive government-funded aged care, their families, carers and relevant stakeholders. If you’re interested in taking part and giving feedback on the program’s design, sign up here.
The government planning process is also underway to develop an approach to reach a broader group of consumers, including those without computer access. If you’d like support in providing your feedback to the Australian Government, you can contact our advocacy service through [email protected].