The Federal Department of Health has promised a $1.2 billion injection to protect aged care homes from COVID-19 and influenza as winter approaches.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), infection control and prevention training, vaccine training, COVID testing, and financial support for providers are all part of the package; in particular, all residential aged care facilities nationally will receive two weeks of PPE from the National Medical Stockpile, with more available during an outbreak.
According to Senator Richard Colbeck, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, the investment will focus mainly on residential aged care, with some funding for home care.
“Aged care providers and the aged care workforce continue to operate at the frontline of the pandemic providing essential services and support to senior Australians.
“Enhanced preparation within the sector and continued response capability will ensure senior Australians continue to receive safe and quality care as aged care providers face the impacts from winter viruses such as influenza, as well as continuing to respond to the threat of COVID-19,” he said.
Flu infections plummeted during the pandemic due to measures such as border closures, improved hygiene, and social distancing measures.
