The Aged Care Access Initiative is funding that has been made available through the Department of Health and Ageing to assist residents within aged care facilities access allied health services. Many aged care residents have complex care needs that require a multidisciplinary approach and they can often experience difficulty accessing services of allied health professionals, the Initiative aims to improve access to primary care for residents of aged care facilities.

The Aged Care Access Initiative commenced on 1st July 2008 and replaced the Aged Care GP Panel’s Initiative.

Wellness & Lifestyles Australia (W&L) in conjunction with the Divisions of General Practice has been providing a variety of allied health services to eligible residents across South Australia.

What allied health services are covered by the funding?

• Aboriginal Health Workers
• Aboriginal Mental Health Workers
• Audiologists
• Chiropodists
• Chiropractors
• Counsellors
• Diabetes Educators
• Dietitians/Nutritionists
• Dental/Oral Hygenists
• Diversional Therapists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Orthoptists
• Orthotists/Prosthetists
• Osteopaths
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Psychologists
• Radiographers
• Registered Nurses, with specialist roles
• Social Workers
• Speech Pathologists

Who is eligible to receive the funding?

Residents of Commonwealth funded residential aged care facilities that are not covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements.

Funding cannot be used to cover gaps or co-payments for services funded under Medicare or services where a private health insurance rebate is claimed.

For more information on how you can access the Aged Care Access Initiative funding contact General Practice SA on at gpsa@gpsa.org.au or on 08 8271 8988.