Corangamite to end in-home aged care
Corangamite Shire Council in Victoria’s Barwon South West region has taken the “difficult” decision to no longer provide home care services for the elderly.
In a statement, the council said it would end its home services from 1 July 2023 following a six-month independent review of its aged care services.
“We thank our staff and customers for their patience while we worked through the review to determine how best to support our residents now and in the future,” Mayor Ruth Gstrein said.
She said the council carried out the review in response to the Commonwealth Government’s aged care reforms following the 2018 Royal Commission on Quality and Safety.
Mayor Gstrein said the council accepted that the reformed services would be best provided by alternative providers who could offer a wider range of services to customers.
“It certainly wasn’t an easy decision for the council, but it had to be made because of these transformative federal reforms,” she said.
“We also recognize that the new service being developed by the Commonwealth and the much-needed reforms are best delivered by specialist providers – a sector that has grown significantly over the past decade.
“The open market will give customers much more choice and the council will look to offer alternative programs to support its residents.
“We understand this has been a truly challenging time for our wonderful employees and customers who have been with us for many years.”
Council provides entry level home services to approximately 500 customers in Camperdown, Terang, Derrinallum, Lismore, Skipton and the surrounding area. Historically, Victorian councils have provided these services on behalf of the Commonwealth and state governments, as has Corangamite.
“Our priority is to support our customers and employees through this transition to ensure all customers receive the level of care they need and can stay at home for as long as they need and want,” said Cr Gstrein.
A number of communities in rural and regional Victoria have announced or have already announced their intention to phase out elder care, including Golden Plains, Moorabool, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Bendigo, Ballarat, Hepburn and Campaspe.
Mayor Gstrein said the council informed both the state and Commonwealth governments of its decision to end its current role in aged care.
“The council will continue to support our aging population by helping residents access the services they need and developing active aging programs in the future,” she said.
“This approach will benefit a larger number of residents in the community.
“Once this direct form of service delivery is phased out, the council will continue to support residents to ensure referrals and connections to services are made as we work together to help our communities navigate the aged care and disability system.
“At this stage, employees and customers do not need to take any action and services continue.
“It is important that no customer is left without service,” said the mayor.
