Merri-bek City Council has welcomed the Federal Government's recent announcement that the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will continue until at least June 2027, allowing CHSP aged care providers, including many councils, to continue their high standards of care for some of the most vulnerable older people in our community.
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Adam Pulford commended the Federal Government's decision to again delay the transition of the CHSP to a new model, and said he looked forward to the government continuing to work with the local government sector and other CHSP providers to achieve the best outcomes long-term for our older residents.
"Local councils in Victoria have been providing in-home aged care services to their communities for 40 years, and in some areas even longer," said Cr Pulford.
"For older residents who need support, it can be a big ask allowing someone into your home. Many of our support workers have been caring for their local communities for more than a decade, they have built strong relationships with residents, are trusted, and provide high quality care, tailored to residents' specific needs.
"We thank the Federal Government for this delay to any model change. Residents and staff deserve certainty beyond mid-2027, so I encourage the Federal Government to look at how to preserve and strengthen the provision of in-home aged care services by local government in the long-term.
"Our community knows that Council is not profiting from our care and support programs, so they trust our services. We also have excellent local knowledge and networks and are often the first point of call for impartial advice for older people, particularly with information increasingly moving online.
"Ultimately, we want the Commonwealth Home Support Program to be made permanent and further expanded with recurrent block funding to recognise the program's important role in caring for our ageing population."
Merri-bek City Council provides services including domestic support, meals, personal care, social support including planned activity groups, and home maintenance using Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) block funding.
These home support services are of critical importance in helping older people maintain their independence and stay in their homes and out of residential aged care longer.
