Focus shifts to a ‘no gap in service’ transition
Council voted on Wednesday to end in-home aged care services from August this year following a review of the services prompted by changes to the Federal funding in 2027.
The Council will end in-home domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, individual shopping assistance, property maintenance and home modifications.
In recent years the number of people receiving Council support had dropped dramatically, from about 1500 people to 650 and falling as aged care packages enable clients to be serviced by other providers.
Leaving the services will see 45 staff being made redundant with Council liable for $1.8M in redundancy payments.
Council will continue with delivered meals, community bus and Linking Neighbours program.
No gap transition pledge
Acting Mayor Louise Crawford told TWiSK that the 650 residents currently receiving in-home services will not experience any gap during this change.
“[Council] staff will continue to visit until arrangements with not-for-profit providers of their choice to take up these services have commenced” she stressed.
“We believe this, and [Council’s] unique new Community Connector role, will ensure the smoothest possible transition as well as establishing our Council as the first port of call for older people wanting trusted advice on how to navigate the entire, often complex, aged care system.”
With Council elections set for October, a sloppy transition could become a significant issue.
Last minute bid to defer falls short
A last minute bid by Crs Tim Baxter and Robbie Nyaguy to delay the decision for six months stood little chance of success but provided an opportunity to make a last stand.
Cr Baxter said aged care was an essential service. ‘It’s core to council services, it’s about supporting community,’ he said. Cr Nyaguy said it had been a difficult and depressing to watch as Council walked towards scaling down these important services.
Cr Crawford said “I do feel like I failed on this one… I don’t think I grasped the enormity of this change.”
Cr Martin breaks ranks with ‘progressives’
Cr Peter Martin was vocal in his support of the exit, albeit reluctantly. “[In recent years] the people receiving Council support has fallen from 1500 to 650,’ he said. “There are [other] providers out there.”
He strongly advocated that Council be the connector rather than the provider.
‘Council can be the trusted first point of contact for people looking for services,’ he said.
Cr Christina Sikaroff spoke at length in support of the exit. She said Council was not well placed to deliver services in aged care. She rejected claims that people would be left without support.
“Council will have dedicated staff to help clients transition from existing care services to the new programs with increased choice and control for each client,’ she said.
The voting record
For: Bond, Clark, Cunsolo, Martin, Pearl and Sirakoff.
Against: Baxter, Crawford and Nyaguy
