Elsie Lange
Macedon Ranges council (MRSC) has opted not to become a Support at Home provider after July next year, and will instead look at other ways to support its ageing population on “a larger scale”.
The decision follows federal government changes to the aged care sector, under the Aged Care Reforms.
In a statement, council said the decision means the government will now allocate other providers to deliver services which council delivers, such as domestic assistance, personal care, respite, social support and centre-based meals.
MRSC chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council had been reviewing its own service delivery in aged care since reforms began to be introduced a decade ago, including the way home support programs are funded, planned and delivered.
“The aim of these reforms is to increase the number of service providers, and create more choice and flexibility for clients,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“These reforms encourage providers to have size, scale and efficiencies, making it difficult for councils to continue delivering direct care services.
“Making this decision now, before the commonwealth’s proposed shift to the new Support at Home model, ensures our valuable clients and dedicated staff will be as prepared and supported as they can be for the change.”
He thanked staff and volunteers for their continuing dedication to more than 400 clients, particularly in light of the pandemic. A staff consultation process will now begin, which is set out in council’s enterprise agreement.
MRSC mayor Jennifer Anderson said the decision was a chance to work with older people across the region to “co-design” a new model of information, advocacy and services.
“Currently, less than five percent of the almost 10,000 people aged 65 plus living in the shire are accessing commonwealth supported aged care services through council, including cleaning and respite,” councillor Anderson said.
“Council is keen to expand the reach of the work we will do in the future to support an increased number of older people in different ways, outside of the commonwealth’s Support at Home model.”
In a statement, council said its service agreements for delivering the Commonwealth Home Support Programme were in place until June 2023, and it was committed to working with the government to negotiate timing and transition processes.
“It will continue to play an active role in ensuring the community receives high-quality aged care services and will advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members,” council said.
Council said over the coming month it would consult with Macedon Ranges seniors to understand what they hope for, to assist in developing the new model.
