Ageing in the Bush Report officially launched

Sunday, 28 August 2016

• Report outlines care models to address increasing regional aged population
• Is guiding more than $70 million investment in regional aged care
• Report made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program 

The Ageing in the Bush Report, which is changing the delivery of aged care throughout regional Western Australia, was officially launched by the Liberal National Government today in Moora.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said regional WA had an older population profile than the State as a whole and would encounter an increasing need for aged care not yet experienced in metropolitan areas.

"The State Government understands the value of retaining older residents in regional WA and it is important we provide opportunities that allow them to remain in their communities," Mr Redman said.

"Staying connected with the community is a real concern for seniors, especially in regional areas.

"Seniors have contributed greatly to our communities over many years and the report identifies ways in which government, communities and the aged care sector can work together to enable people living in regional WA to better access care they require."

Health Minister John Day said the report identified a series of innovative aged care solutions based on four key principles and had already guided more than $70 million of investment in aged care through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

"The Ageing in the Bush Report will continue to provide a critical evidence base to guide intelligent and targeted investment," Mr Day said.

"Addressing needs for aged care services presents real opportunities for economic and jobs growth across WA.  If we can get it right, the social and economic dividends are considerable."

Mr Redman congratulated the Regional Development Council on leading the development of the Ageing in the Bush Report and said it identified fundamental and realistic solutions based on evidence and community need.

Fact File

• The State Government's more than $70 million Royalties for Regions investment in aged care includes more than $25 million towards aged care housing in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern; $20.2 million for Ageing in Place from Growing our South; the $16.5 million, 38-bed Carnarvon aged care facility; $4.8 million for the South West Ageing in Place Pilot; and $2.5 million as part of the Creating Age Friendly Communities in Small Towns Project
• The Government is committed to supporting contemporary models of care that enhance the wellbeing of older people and ensures sustainability
• To view the report, visit http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx