Significant reforms announced to Australia’s aged care system will provide welcome relief to hundreds of thousands of stroke survivors and their families, National Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor said today.

Dr Lalor congratulated the federal Government on the Living Longer Living Better plan, which when implemented will provide a number of important changes to an area that has historically been complex.

Dr Lalor said in particular, the carers’ funding package, the increased number of home care packages, the new funding for dementia care and the single gateway to all aged care services represented dramatic improvement in a previously complex system.

“Stroke survivors and their carers tell us one of the most difficult aspects of stroke recovery and life after stroke is negotiating and accessing the aged care system,” Dr Lalor said.

“A single gateway to aged care services will centralise information about provision of care and entitlements and make it easier for people to find the support they need,” Dr Lalor said.

She said by boosting home care packages and carer funding, more people will be able to stay at home after a stroke.

Dr Lalor said research showed 74 per cent of stroke survivors go on to live at home with support and the majority lived with the support of a carer, generally a spouse.

The dementia care funding would also have significant benefits for stroke survivors and their families, as vascular dementia is a common complication of stroke.

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability. While a stroke can occur to anyone at any time, only 20 percent of strokes happen to people under 55.

“These landmark reforms are greatly welcomed and the National Stroke Foundation looks forward to working with the federal Government on their implementation and ensuring they meet the needs of the community,” she said.