Last year the federal government passed the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Act 2022 which establishes new requirements for aged care providers through nine measures that respond to the royal commission. The changes being implemented by the federal government come into effect from July 1, 2024, and will drastically alter residential aged care service provision across the region.
For Mount Alexander Shire Council to continue providing community aged care services in the future, it will have to compete for available funding, as residents will be able to choose from a range of different service providers. The council will also need to retain and attract clients, in order to maintain the viability of the service.
A number of local residents and personal care workers have expressed concerns about the future of council-managed aged care services, noting that many councils in other local government areas are walking away from service provision as the reforms loom
Federal MP Lisa Chesters told the Mail that the final reform arrangements will be settled in early 2023 after taking into consideration feedback from the people who use and deliver the services.
“I’ve had a few discussions with different representatives from Mount Alexander Shire about the importance of these services and the council’s ongoing commitment to delivering them,” Ms Chesters said.
“Council has been proactive in consultation with government around what future delivery looks like.
“I want to see local councils continuing these services. It’s an important service for local residents and provides good local jobs.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council communications have expressed that there will need to be changes to the current management and provision of community aged care services in order to meet the new regulatory requirements and to remain feasible in a new market environment. The council is considering how to respond to future arrangements to best meet the needs of its older residents and ageing community by undertaking a review in partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council at a cost of $25,000 for each local government area.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s manager of Community Wellbeing Rosalie Rogers said the council currently provides aged care services to more than 800 residents across the shire, with approximately 40 staff members delivering services including personal care, home care, respite, and social support programs.
“In light of the federal government’s reforms to the aged care sector, the council is undertaking a thorough review of the services we provide,” Ms Rogers said.
“We know reforms in the sector are coming, and right now, we need to hear from our community before we consider any decisions on the future of those services.
“Input provided as part of this consultation will help us better understand community views, needs, and experiences around in-home and other aged-care services.”
Ms Rogers said she understands there may be concerns in the community about the continuation of the council-delivered aged care services into the future and that there are many considerations the council needs to address regarding the future delivery of services.
“We will continue to listen to our community about what they need regarding aged care services, now and into the future. We will also report back to the community on what they’ve told us during this consultation.”