Council update on future of in-home aged care
Published on 14 December 2022
Pyrenees Shire Council will cease direct delivery of in-home aged care services following a decision at Tuesday’s Council meeting in Beaufort.
Council resolved to support staff and transition clients to a new service provider by 30 June 2023 and focus its efforts on delivering active ageing programs and broader well-being initiatives for the community.
The resolution was made following an extensive review of the service and community consultation about its future.
“This is one of the most difficult decisions we’ve faced during my years as a Councillor,” said Pyrenees Shire Mayor, Cr Ron Eason. “The provision of in-home aged care is a very significant issue for the community and national changes have made it unsuitable for Council to continue to deliver these services.”
The Commonwealth Government is implementing significant changes in the aged care industry.
The existing Commonwealth Home Support Program provided by Council will change to a new Support at Home Program from 1 July 2024.
Changes to funding arrangements and a shift to a competitive model will impact the ability of councils to continue delivery of services.
For a comparatively small rural Shire like the Pyrenees, the corporate model required to meet the coming industry changes is not considered sustainable. New arrangements based on a competitive, consumer-driven, funding-in-arrears model will put significant risk on Council and its financial capacity.
“The reality of the new Commonwealth approach is most local governments need to transition out of in-home aged care support services in favour of other providers,” said Cr Eason. “Continuing beyond June 2024 under the new Home Support Program is not considered a sustainable option for Council.”
Pyrenees Council recognizes the importance of the services it has delivered for many years and has undertaken an extensive review prior to making this decision. A recent survey taken as part of Council’s engagement process reinforced how much the community values the service.
“In 2021-22, Council delivered 4631 meals and 8600 hours of in-home services to 320 clients, which represents approximately 15% of residents aged 65 years over residents in the Pyrenees. These residents are supported by our dedicated Community Care team,” said Cr Eason.
“Our staff do an incredible job caring for our elderly residents and their wellbeing is a focus for Council during this difficult transition period.”
As part of its resolution on Tuesday, Council pledged to assist staff who wish to remain in the sector in gaining employment. There is also an opportunity for staff members to move to a role in coordinating an active ageing program.
Council has also pledged to develop programs and activities that improve social connectivity and aging well.
In making its decision Council also addressed the potential lack of viable alternative providers in rural and remote areas such as the Pyrenees, identifying that suitable providers are available to service this region through an EOI process. While any contracts with providers will be signed with the Australian Government, this process has given Council confidence that there are a number of providers building the resources required to take on services where councils have chosen to exit.
“We will be working with the Commonwealth and relevant agencies to ensure that alternative providers are available to deliver care to people in this region as part of this process, in particular those most vulnerable members of our community in rural and remote areas,” said Cr Eason. “Council will continue to support our elderly residents by developing broader active ageing and well-being initiatives for the community.”
As part of Council’s resolution, delivery of the Regional Assessment Service will cease on or before to 30 June 2024.