City
of Greater Geelong officers have made a recommendation to Council to transition
all in-home community care clients to specialist local providers following an
independent review into the aged care reforms.
The
reforms mean that Support at Home will replace the Home Care Package Program
starting from 1 July 2025, and the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which
will transition no earlier than 2027.
The
City engaged independent consultants to conduct a full review to inform and
assist Council in deciding the City’s future involvement in in-home community
care services.
The
review found specialist aged care providers are well placed to provide the best
quality client service, with Greater Geelong benefiting from a strong and
well-serviced market.
The
City has already sounded out the aged care providers operating in Greater
Geelong to ensure a seamless transition if required.
The
proposed transition follows the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality
and Safety with changes to rights, access, funding, home support, quality
standards, and regulation, bringing in a new support program for older
Australians called Support at Home.
The
City is continuing to provide all in-home community care services as usual, and
any changes must be voted on by Council, which is holding its next meeting
Thursday 10 April.
Clients
will be contacted following the upcoming meeting via a range of means,
including phone, post, an in-person as necessary to inform them of what the
next steps may be for them.
Should
Council vote to change to a new care model, the City will continue to deliver
its Positive Ageing Strategy while supporting current clients to transition to
new providers.
City
of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie
Our
aim is to ensure our community is provided the best possible service to its
ageing population, and this has always been the core priority of our community
care service.
When
considering these reforms, we had to consider very carefully what would be best
for our clients.
Aged
Care is complex, and every client has their own bespoke needs, so we wanted to
really take the time to get this right.
We
feel that specialised aged care providers who make this their core business
will provide the best standard of care going into the future.
We
are committed to guiding our staff and clients through any transition, but
cannot pre-empt how Council will respond to our recommendation.
A
range of services for older residents will continue to be provided by the City,
including grants for senior activities, facilities such as senior centres and
neighbourhood houses, sports infrastructure, library funding, seniors week
activities, advocacy against elder abuse, and promoting positive ageing.
There are also
specific programs for seniors at leisure centres, and in-home community care
services.