The Commonwealth Government is making significant changes to aged care services and developing a new in-home aged care program. The Government currently funds Council’s in-home aged care services under a contract arrangement.
These changes mean Manningham Council, like the majority of Victorian councils, is looking at whether it can continue delivering in-home aged care services. It will make a final decision on this issue in mid-2023.
To participate in the new Government program, Council would need to work across a large geographic region and offer a more comprehensive range of services (e.g., allied health, in-home palliative care and physiotherapy) than we currently provide.
“We understand we would not be offered a contract within this new program,” Manningham Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said. Over 50 councils have already decided to transition out of the aged care system, and in these cases, the Commonwealth Government has appointed other specialist providers to deliver services.
Cr Diamante said she wanted to reassure residents that if Council cannot continue to offer in-home aged care services, the Government will ensure our older clients still receive the services they need.
“The Commonwealth Government would appoint a range of new providers to deliver services in the Manningham area. Residents would have access to these other providers who would offer a broader range of services at similar cost. Council would be committed to supporting existing clients to connect to these new providers and making the transition as smooth as possible.”
“Council is considering this issue very carefully and thoughtfully. We need to look at what is best for our community in the long term. We are not looking at ‘outsourcing’ our in-home aged care services – the contract model is changing, and we have to respond to it.”
“Most importantly, there are no immediate changes to Council’s current in-home aged care services of domestic help, personal care, respite care, Meals on Wheels and social support.”
“If the final decision is to change in-home aged care services, this would happen towards the end of 2023.
“Cr Diamante said Council continues to be committed to the safety and wellbeing of its older residents.”
Even if we can no longer provide in-home aged care services, we would continue to offer other services that support healthy and positive ageing, like community transport and social connection activities.”
“Council would also continue to take an active role in ensuring our community receives high-quality aged care services and will strongly advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members.”
Cr Diamante said Council is also consulting with staff on the potential change.
“We would like to acknowledge our Aged and Disability Support Services staff and the valuable work they do with the older adults in our community.”
