Macedon Ranges stepping away from aged care

Two aged care providers, Benetas and Intereach, will take over delivering the services now provided by Macedon Ranges council.

The announcement comes after council last year decided it would no longer deliver aged care services, and finish its role via the Commonwealth Home Support program by June 30, 2023.

Council said the announcement would give itself and clients “more certainty” to progress the transition of services over the coming months.

Macedon Ranges chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council’s priority was to ensure existing clients and council staff were “fully supported”, including assisting clients to make informed decisions about a preferred provider.

“Transferring these services is a difficult, yet necessary decision for council – it will allow us to refocus our investment to support a broader cohort of older residents in the shire,” he said.

“The two new providers have both already had a presence locally and Council will be there every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for our clients, their families and staff.”

Council said under the new model providers would offer a broader suite of services than council and is resourced for across in-home, personal, nursing and allied health services.

Sharon Gill, council’s transition support officer, will be available four days a week and contactable via sgill@mrsc.vic.gov.au or 5422 0224 for any queries around the transition.