City of Greater Geelong officers have made a recommendation to Council to transition all in-home community care clients to specialist local providers following an independent review into the aged care reforms.
The reforms mean that Support at Home will replace the Home Care Package Program starting from 1 July 2025, and the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which will transition no earlier than 2027.
The City engaged independent consultants to conduct a full review to inform and assist Council in deciding the City's future involvement in in-home community care services.
The review found specialist aged care providers are well placed to provide the best quality client service, with Greater Geelong benefiting from a strong and well-serviced market.
The City has already sounded out the aged care providers operating in Greater Geelong to ensure a seamless transition if required.
The proposed transition follows the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety with changes to rights, access, funding, home support, quality standards, and regulation, bringing in a new support program for older Australians called Support at Home.
The City is continuing to provide all in-home community care services as usual, and any changes must be voted on by Council, which is holding its next meeting Thursday 10 April.
Clients will be contacted following the upcoming meeting via a range of means, including phone, post, an in-person as necessary to inform them of what the next steps may be for them.
Should Council vote to change to a new care model, the City will continue to deliver its Positive Ageing Strategy while supporting current clients to transition to new providers.
City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie
Our aim is to ensure our community is provided the best possible service to its ageing population, and this has always been the core priority of our community care service.
When considering these reforms, we had to consider very carefully what would be best for our clients.
Aged Care is complex, and every client has their own bespoke needs, so we wanted to really take the time to get this right.
We feel that specialised aged care providers who make this their core business will provide the best standard of care going into the future.
We are committed to guiding our staff and clients through any transition, but cannot pre-empt how Council will respond to our recommendation.
A range of services for older residents will continue to be provided by the City, including grants for senior activities, facilities such as senior centres and neighbourhood houses, sports infrastructure, library funding, seniors week activities, advocacy against elder abuse, and promoting positive ageing.
There are also specific programs for seniors at leisure centres, and in-home community care services.
