THE Federal Government has provided home support funding for 28 elderly residents in Rockhampton and Yeppoon so they can live independently in the community.

The funding has been allocated to the Presbyterian Church of Queensland and the Uniting Church in Australia for assistance to elderly people including cleaning and maintenance, personal care, preparation and or provision of meals and other help.

There are three different packages, community aged care, extended community aged care and

extended community aged care for dementia sufferers, and the

level of support depends on the package.

Those receiving the extended package will receive services from health professionals including nurses, physiotherapists and podiatrists if they require it.

Ten residents suffering from dementia will receive additional support.

It comes as part of $450m announced by Minister for Mental Health and Aging Mark Butler for assistance to 12,000 elderly people nationwide.

Capricornia MP Kirsten Livermore said the home support was tailored to an individual’s need.

“Residents will receive assistance with health and personal care as well as assistance with the provision of meals, household maintenance and transportation to and from appointments.”

Mr Butler said the government had made it a “second-term” priority.

“The time is right for long-term change and I believe the sector and the Australian community wants and is ready for that change.”