Review the frequently asked questions regarding Council's future role in aged and disability services.
Why is Council contacting me about aged care reforms?
The Commonwealth Government is making changes to aged care to improve outcomes for older people in our community.
Council understands the aim of these changes are to provide more flexible and responsive services for older people who wish to stay safe and well in their own homes for as long as possible.
Council must now determine what impact the implementation of these changes will have on our Greater Dandenong community, and what Council’s role will be in future to ensure the needs of our older residents and residents with a disability continue to be met.
Will my current aged care services being delivered by Council change?
Council is not taking any action to alter our services now, nor without a Council resolution.
Council has until 1 July 2024 to make a decision on whether or not we stay in the delivery of aged care services.
The decision will be made by Greater Dandenong City Councillors in an official Council meeting, date to be determined.
Client husband returned from hospital after being admitted with bladder infection but hot water washer breaks within hours and water turned off at source. Community Care rearrange schedule of Home Maintenance Officer to do same day repair.
Great feedback as to the responsiveness of the Home Maintenance Team in ensuring the safety of a vulnerable client. This feedback has been passed onto the Home Maintenance team.
Council client complains that his wife on a package must pay for two hour personal care, meaning a cost of $135 per shower. Far cheaper and more practical when Council provided personal care.
Council is aware of this issue - there are both differences in Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP) programs that are confusing for clients together with providers employing staff under different industrial awards. Council is advocating to the Commonwealth Government about these issues and will also refer this issue to our Technical Consultant to consider in the review.
If the options paper is presented for Council consideration in December 2023, when will Council make the actual decision about the future of Community Care? Will this also be in December or at a later date?
The Options Paper will be presented to Council at the December Council meeting and Council will make its decision regarding Council's future role in Aged and Disability Services at the same Council meeting.
Providing comment not question. One of the primary benefits of Meals on Wheels delivered by volunteers is the social interaction that it provides. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities can become isolated and lonely.
Thanks for your feedback. The health benefits of regular social connection for older and vulnerable people is well documented and Council will pass on your feedback to the Technical Consultant to consider in our review.
How will clients who don't have families to advocate on their behalf and don't access digital communication be given a voice?
There will be a number of opportunities for clients or other community members in providing feedback to the review which will be passed onto the consultant. This could include but is not limited to offering paper-based surveys, telephone interviews, focus groups to those who don't or aren't confident in using digital communication.
Will the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission be considered by Council when making a decision on the future of aged care services?
Yes the findings of the Royal Commission will inform Council's considerations.
Will the learnings from other Councils who exited services leaving clients without support be considered to not make the same mistakes if CGD exit service provision? Are CGD going to plan a smooth transition for clients if they exit services?
If Council does make a decision to exit some or all of our Commonwealth subsidised aged services we are committed to working with the Commonwealth to ensure a smooth transition for our clients. There is already feedback that the Councils that exited from services 30 June 2023 have had a smoother transition than the 20 Councils that exited mid-2022 due to both the Councils involved and the Commonwealth undertaking more planning.
