General News
22 November, 2022
Care exit confirmed
LODDON Shire Council has voted to end home care services. Thursday's Loddon Herald has an article from debate at the council meeting when the decision was made. Council has since issued a statement:Loddon Shire Council has decided not to continue to...
LODDON Shire Council has voted to end home care services.
Thursday's Loddon Herald has an article from debate at the council meeting when the decision was made.
Council has since issued a statement:
Loddon Shire Council has decided not to continue to be a provider of the Commonwealth
Government’s new in-home aged care program following changes to the sector under Aged
Care Reforms.
Councillors formalised the decision at today’s Council Meeting (22 November).
The formal decision by Council follows much consideration, as well as consultation with staff
and clients.
There will be no immediate change to Council’s service delivery. Council is committed to
completing its existing contract with the Commonwealth Government, which ends 30 June
2023. The Commonwealth and State Governments will engage other providers to deliver
services including domestic assistance, personal care, respite, social support, property
maintenance and meals after that date.
“Council has committed to working with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to
negotiate the timing and transition processes that will support the interests of clients, their
families, staff and the broader community,” Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said.
“In making this hard decision, Council will continue to maintain an active role in advocating
that the new aged care service system delivers high-quality service and meets the needs of
the community.”
Loddon Shire Chief Executive Officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said Council would work closely with
State and Commonwealth Governments to ensure the transition was as seamless as
possible for clients.
“Council recognises it has responsibilities to clients and families, staff and the broader
community to support the transition effectively and to continue to participate in service
system oversight,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Council’s recent review identified that in the short term, Council can play an important role
in supporting residents who may have enquiries about the introduction of the new in-home
aged care program.
“This also applies to residents who may need some assistance to navigate the changing
national system and/or seeking information relevant to their individual support needs,” he
added.
Council’s commitment to service delivery provides support for a little under four per cent of
the total population per year.
“With 54 per cent of Council’s population aged over 50, Council has the opportunity to
consider a broader contribution to improving outcomes for older residents through positive
ageing activities available to all older people in the municipality,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“This reinvestment will be informed through the development of Council’s new access and
inclusion plan.”
Mr Fitzgerald thanked Loddon Shire staff for their consideration and professionalism while
consultation was undertaken.
“Council is committed to providing whatever support we can to both staff and clients during
this period as clients transition to new service providers,” he said.