Senior Australians in the Parkes electorate will receive more support with a $1.5 million increase in funding for residential aged care providers, and the release of more high-level home care packages.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the boost in funding.

“A 30 per cent increase in the Viability Supplement will apply to a range of aged care services in my electorate, including residential, multi-purpose, and Indigenous flexible aged care service providers,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is exactly what residential aged care providers need to help ensure older Australians have the very best care available, irrespective of where they live.

“From Broken Hill to Walgett, Lake Cargelligo to Warialda, there are communities right across the Parkes electorate who will benefit from this funding boost.

“I understand the common preference to receive aged care services in your own home and to live independently for as long as possible.

“The Coalition will ease the cost of living for local seniors receiving home care, by reducing the daily maximum fees payable by up to $400 a year, and will also invest in increased payments for GPs to treat patients in local aged care homes.”

The Viability Supplement is provided to eligible residential aged care providers to offset higher care costs in regional areas.

Since 2013, the Coalition Government has invested an extra $1 billion a year in aged care services and is continuing this record investment through the 2018-19 Budget’s $5 billion boost over the next four years.