General News
30 April, 2023
Shire waits on federal announcement
THE FEDERAL Government has completed its process to select new aged care in-home service providers in the Loddon Shire. Council exits aged care services from July 1 and says an announcement of new providers will be by the Government. Wellbeing...
THE FEDERAL Government has completed its process to select new aged care in-home service providers in the Loddon Shire.
Council exits aged care services from July 1 and says an announcement of new providers will be by the Government.
Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said: “The Commonwealth has completed a process to select new provider/s for the Loddon Shire Council area, which will take over the delivery of services from July 1, 2023.
“Council has been provided with details of the new provider/s only to allow transition to occur.
“We have been embargoed from releasing information on the new provider/s to media outlets.”
Loddon Shire referred Loddon Herald inquries to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme Policy Team. A response had not been received when this week’s edition went to press.
Mrs Gladman said: “Council is contacting current clients providing information regarding the transition and the service provider/s that will be operating in their area, and will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government and the new provider/s to support community members to transition to an alternative provider.
“The timing on public notification of new provider/s sits with the Commonwealth. We await their advice on this matter,” she said.
The Loddon Herald understands that at least three providers have been selected by the Federal Government.
Council is currently advertising for an aged care navigation co-ordinator to support residents and carers navigate the Commonwealth aged care system and the Victorian Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.
Mrs Gladman said: “This position will also co-ordinate and support the community care team to transition clients to new service providers, and will provide positive ageing specific support to the Inclusive Communities program, as time permits.”
Councillors last November voted to stop delivering home support program services, home and community care program for younger people services and veterans’ home care services.
Loddon Shire’s move followed other councils in country Victoria opting out of home services after Federal Government reforms to in-home aged care services.