In response to the Australian Government’s reforms to Aged Care, Brimbank City Council is shifting its focus away from the delivery of services in an already competitive and crowded marketplace to focus on wrap-around services that support individual wellbeing, connection, sector support and advocacy.
1. Aged care services are changing
The changes being led by the Australian Government aim to offer older people more choice and control over their care while raising the overall standard of services. This is changing the role of existing service providers, particularly in Victoria. Previously, many councils used government funding to provide ‘funded services’ to older people. Under the changes, funding is available to a much wider range of organisations, many of which are better positioned to provide services suited to their clients. Increasingly, older people are choosing to go with these new providers instead of councils.
2. Council decision
Driven by the need to adapt to the changing service landscape, at the Council meeting on 18 June 2024, Brimbank City Council resolved to:
- Deliver a range of new support services, including community connector and service navigation, sector stewardship, community capacity building, health and wellbeing social connections and complementary transport for clients.
- Transition the delivery of Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home and Community Program for Younger People services to others that do and will provide them.
3. No reduction in aged care services to eligible Brimbank residents
There will be no immediate changes to the current home support and community care services offered by Council. This includes support like delivered meals, home maintenance, respite care, social activities and community transport. Brimbank City Council will maintain these services while navigating the transition process guided by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. This will include the appointment of new providers who will continue to provide services to existing and future clients. We expect the transition away from aged care services to take approximately up to one year.
4. Our Vision
For older people and others who need support to live independently within Brimbank to have access to high-quality care that caters to their specific needs and preferences. Through this decision, Council will be able to invest in services that align with what we heard from the community during our recent consultation about what is most important for residents to live and age well in Brimbank.
5. Support for residents
We are dedicated to working closely with the Australian and Victorian Governments and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for residents who use Government funded services. Here's how we plan to help:
- Guidance and assistance: We will offer information and resources to help older people and people with disabilities make informed decisions about their care options.
- Navigating the system: Our team will provide support in understanding and navigating the new systems, ensuring residents know how to access appropriate services.
- Supported transition: During this period of change, we will plan for a smooth transition of clients to new service providers. This will included tailored approaches for clients where extra support may be required to ensure future service provision aligns with their needs.