The ACAR is an application process which enables existing approved provider of aged care and organisations intending to become an approved provider, to apply for Australian Government-subsidised places and/or capital grants in an open, competitive and equitable way.

If you are an existing approved, or prospective aged care provider, you can apply for a share of:

•  2,000 residential care places – noting applicants that can demonstrate they can deliver care immediately (‘bed-ready’) or within an 18 month period will be prioritised before longer term proposals. Locations considered to have the highest need for residential care places, including those within regional, rural and remote Australia will be prioritised above those where there is less need.
• 1,028 short-term restorative care places (STRC)
• up to $150 million in capital grants for residential care with a view to funding projects that will improve access to quality residential care services in regional, rural and remote locations and to special needs groups in any location.

Awarding of capital grants will prioritise projects that will:

• upgrade services to create more spacious rooms, increase privacy and decrease the need for shared living quarters;
• focus on dementia-friendly services aimed at allowing people living in the bush with dementia to remain in their communities;
• enhance infrastructure to improve infection prevention and control; and
• help providers in financial stress bring their allocations of residential care places online, including those impacted by climactic events (bushfires, floods) and COVID-19.

The 2020 ACAR Invitation to Apply commenced on 18 December 2020 and will run until 8 March 2021.

To learn more about this opportunity and to receive assistance with your application, please contact us.  You can also access the Essential Guide on the Department of Health’s website here.