Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services
Minister for Sport
The Morrison Government will invest more than $780,000 for 10 new permanent transition care places to better cater to the needs of senior and vulnerable Territorians.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, and Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon said the additional places, made available through the Government’s Transitional Care Program offered peace-of-mind for those seeking care and their families.
“The Northern Territory is a small, remote jurisdiction, and the new places recognise the challenges this brings by helping more than 40 additional people to access transition care every year,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These additional transition care places are also expected to ease some of the current capacity pressure being experienced by Royal Darwin Palmerston Hospital.”
Minister Colbeck said the Transition Care Program provides vital restorative care for senior Australians after hospitalisation.
The additional places mean more people can be discharged from hospital and receive transition care in their own home an aged care home, or a mix of both, rather than remaining in hospital.
Senator McMahon said the permanent care place would offer recipients services such as allied health and nursing support to enable people to return to their own homes, where possible.
“Navigating the care needs of seniors can be extremely challenging but these additional places will ensure the health and wellbeing of older Territorians remains a priority,” Dr McMahon said.
“It is reassuring for families knowing their loved one may be able to return to their own homes or aged care homes after a hospital stay.”
