Council reaffirms commitment to continued support for seniors
September 17, 2024
Colac Otway Shire Council has committed to continue to help people live independently at home and in the community, with the final decision made at a closed meeting last week.
To help inform its decision Council appointed Lake Advisory to undertake an independent review of its aged and disability services, with a final report presented to Councillors at the May 2024 Council Meeting.
Mayor Marg White said Councillors understood the importance of our aged care services to the community and so took time to work through the information about our services and the pending reforms.
Council made its final decision on 11 September 2024, determining to continue to provide Home Care Packages and transition these services to the Australian Government’s new ‘Support at Home’ program.
Home Care Packages may include homecare, home or social respite, personal care and clinical services as determined by the client’s personal needs.
To focus on a high-quality person-centred approach, Council has chosen to discontinue the delivery of other services including the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Home Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP), Department of Veteran Affairs program (DVA), and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Council will advise the Australian and Victorian Governments of its decision and ask that they establish alternative providers for the services Council will no longer provide. Council will work with each client to develop a tailored transition plan, ensuring that their personal needs and preferences are communicated to new providers and supporting a smooth transition for all clients.
The market is already growing with a range of community-based and non-profit organisations delivering a range of services to regional communities.
“We do have an ageing population and it’s critical that the community has access to services that help people to continue to live independently at home and in the community,” CEO Anne Howard said.
“We know that Council is already a trusted provider, however we don’t have to work alone in supporting older people in the community. There is a place for a variety of providers that can each work to their strengths, enabling the community to access services that best suit their own needs and preferences.”
“Council is pleased that it hasn’t followed the trend of other councils, many of whom are exiting services. With a clear focus on what we can do best, and with Council’s investment in people and systems, we are well-placed to move to the new way of working required by the Australian Government,” Cr White said.
“We thank our staff for their patience and input through the review period, and for their ongoing support and commitment to our clients,” Ms Howard said.
“We are proud of our staff and were delighted that the review highlighted that the service they provide is highly valued and trusted. We know they will continue to support their clients as we implement Council’s decision.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400