CAREWEST chief executive officer Tim Curran said funding announced by the federal government meant another 225 people in the central west could benefit from the service.
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Carewest received 5560 additional hours under funding from the commonwealth home and community care program.
The hours are allocated for domestic assistance such as cleaning and cooking and personal care such as showering and help with medications.
“It is a portion of what we asked for but we’re very grateful,” Mr Curran said.
Carewest applied for funding for the Orana far west region as well as the Riverina but was only given funding for the central west.
Member for Calare, John Cobb, said Calare received about $1.1 million from the government for services run by organisations including Orange City Council, Cabonne Council, Home Care Service of NSW, Transport for NSW and Southern Cross Care.
“We know the general trend is for people to live longer and as a result there is an increased need for domestic assistance, social support, and transport, and that’s where the majority of the funding will go,” Mr Cobb said.
“I believe it’s incredibly important for older persons to have the opportunity to maintain their independence and have access to the support and care they need to continue to live at home as long as they choose.”
Mr Curran said despite missing out on the total funding, no services would be affected because the funding was in addition to what the service already received.
“It’s very competitive,” He said.
About 4000 people benefit from services provided by Carewest with 30 of those needing full time care.
nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au
