On 30 October 2023, Council made the decision to cease delivering the Commonwealth Government funded Commonwealth Home Support Programme (Council’s aged services).
The decision to cease delivering aged services is in response to the Commonwealth Government Aged Care Reforms.
Council’s decision is to exit Aged Services on 30 June 2024.
Services Council will cease include personal care, domestic assistance, respite care, shopping from a list, home maintenance and delivered meals.
From 1 July 2024, the Commonwealth Home Support services received by residents through Stonnington will be delivered by new providers. The Commonwealth Government will appoint these providers.
“The City of Stonnington has a long and proud history of delivering aged care services to our community, and this decision has not been an easy one,” said the Mayor, Cr Jami Klisaris.
“Unfortunately, the requirements of the Commonwealth Government model means that it is no longer viable for Council to continue to provide these services.”
The Australian Government’s aged care reforms will create a simplified aged care program that provides older Australians with greater choice in providers and easier access to a broad range of services.
Many Victorian councils have already decided to transition out of the in-home aged care system. In these cases, the Commonwealth Government has appointed other aged care providers to deliver services.
The decision to exit the program will allow Council to work together with the Commonwealth Government and their selected providers to support clients as they transition to a new provider.
Cr Klisaris said that residents will still receive the same level and quality of service.
“I want to reassure our residents that they will not be left without support. In the coming months, we will be working with you to help you transition to the new provider,” said Cr Klisaris.
Council began informing the community about aged care reforms in November 2022. This included an Ageing Well survey and a series of letters, website updates, and workshops held in March, April and May 2023.
“Our community told us that they have a strong desire to age at home and that they value staying active and keeping mentally and physically well,” said Cr Klisaris.
“We will continue to provide other services that support positive ageing such as community transport and programs to keep people socially connected.
“This decision also impacts our staff who have provided outstanding service to our residents in Stonnington over the years, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
