Planning for the future of aged care

The City of Whittlesea will continue delivering aged care support services while keeping an eye on Federal Government changes to the sector and advocating for the best outcome for residents.

At its 6 June meeting, the Council resolved to prepare a plan, by December 2019, outlining a range of options for the future of the aged care support services provided by the City of Whittlesea.

This affirms Council’s commitment to focus its investment in programs and activities that support older people to develop social connections and help them live fulfilling lives as they age.

In July 2018, Council considered the funding changes taking place at a federal level and resolved to continue providing the following services with a report back to Council in June 2019:

• domestic assistance; personal care; respite; property maintenance; delivered meals services; social support groups/individual; Support for Carers; Aboriginal Access & Support; volunteer coordination; Vulnerable Persons Register; aged care planning; LEAP program; Seniors Clubs Support and Positive Ageing supports.

As much of the detail of what will change in the sector still remains unclear, Council will continue to provide the services while developing a plan looking at all future options and advocating for older residents.

The Commonwealth Government is implementing major reform to Aged Care services to increase choice and efficiency.

Many of the details of change are still unknown but there are possible future implications on the way the Council receives funding to provide these services including National Competition Policy implications.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said a plan would help the City of Whittlesea be in the best position to consider future change as it was rolled out at a federal level.

“We know this is a complicated and changing space so we need to be prepared so we have all the information to best support our residents and our staff,” he said.

“Our officers are continuing to monitor the environment of aged care reform, advocate for older residents and will make recommendations to Council when more is known.”

“Meanwhile, we will continue to deliver these services to our community.”