Aged Care Taskforce Recommends More Means-Testing and Support for In-Home Care
The federal government’s aged care taskforce has recommended that well-off older Australians should pay more of their own aged care costs in the future, and that more support should be provided for in-home care.
The taskforce, chaired by aged care minister Anika Wells, is considering a number of changes to the aged care system, including tightening means-testing for nursing home care and increasing the amount that residents can claim for accommodation and everyday living costs.
The taskforce’s recommendations are in line with the wishes of older Australians, who have consistently expressed a strong preference for aging at home.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also warned that Australia’s ageing population will put pressure on the tax base, and that both in-home and nursing home care will be in demand in coming decades.
The taskforce is due to finalise its report within six weeks, and it is expected that the government will implement its recommendations in the near future.