The Federal Labor Government will provide new funding to the Gender Centre Incorporated to install a Transgender Aged Care Specialist Support Officer to improve the responsiveness of the aged care system to the needs of LGBTI Australians.
This project will receive funding through the $60 million second round of the Government’s Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund, which will deliver approximately $378 million over four years.
The officer will work to meet the increasing demand and specialised need for ageing transgender people through front line crisis management, psycho-social and community support as well as assist with referring entry points to specialised aged care services in New South Wales.
The funding will also support a training component where aged care services will have the opportunity to up skill their services to become more trans-aware and trans-friendly in their own service delivery.
Federal member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese said this service would benefit all older LGBTI older Australians in New South Wales.
“With a strong base in Grayndler, this officer will greatly benefit our community, ensuring transgender people receive the care required as they age and providers increase their knowledge and awareness to appropriately care for all older Australians,” Mr Albanese said.
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the funding is part of a broader national strategy aimed at ensuring the benefits of the Government’s $3.7 billion
Living Longer Living Better aged care reform plan spreads to the whole community.
“We are predicting a large increase in the demand for aged care by LGBTI Australians and we need to be in a position to respond to their needs,” Mr Butler said.
This builds on funding announced previously, including a review the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) guidelines and ensuring the Aged Care Complaints Scheme addresses LGBTI inclusion in its public and internal materials.
The project will support the Federal Labor Government’s
National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy. Further information is available at
http://www.health.gov.au/lgbtistrategyA full list of shortlisted applicants can be found at:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/budget2011-flexfund-acservice-improv09.htm