The Federal Government has extended the Transition Care Programme (TCP) for another two years, giving 2000 older Australians access to a bridging respite service before they re-enter the community after a hospital stay.
$40 million dollars were invested by the Government to extend the service beyond its original June 30 deadline, offering 265 older people with the 12-week programme across Australia.
TCP offers services that include low-intensity therapy, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as social work, nursing support or personal care to maintain and improve physical and/or cognitive functioning. Transition care can be taken place at an aged care facility, in your own home or a combination of the two.
It is also for those who may benefit from restorative care and more time and support to make a decision on their long-term aged care options if needed.
These temporary places will help improve the health and independence of older people after being hospitalised and assist them with their transition back into the community.
“I’m proud to give older people peace of mind that support will continue to be there for them, where and when they need it most.”
This dedicated support will include 35 places to address high demand in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven area to ease pressures on their hospitals and transition older people into a more suitable placement.
“This investment will help to ease the pressure we have seen on our public hospitals for some time, and ensure that the most vulnerable in our community will be able to get an appropriate level of care,” said Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes.
TCP is jointly funded by the Australian and State/Territory governments on a 75% Commonwealth and 25% state basis.
