Aged care changes in focus at community forum

A COMMUNITY forum in Portarlington next week will help Bellarine residents understand how major home-based aged care reforms will affect their ability to live independently.

Hosted by Staying in Portarlington (SiP) and the Portarlington Senior Citizens Club, the event will be held on Monday, November 24 at the Portarlington Senior Citizens Centre between 2pm and 4pm.

The session will address key reforms under the new Aged Care Act and will feature guest speaker Robert Stephens from the federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Changes to the Act came into effect on November 1, introducing

a strengthened rights-based framework and significant changes to in-home support services. Transition measures are now rolling out across the sector.

SiP president Jenny Wills said the forum will help community members understand how the new framework will be delivered on the Bellarine, particularly those currently applying for services.

“Also attending will be representatives from Bellarine Community Health, who will be available to assist attendees with their enquiries on the new Support At Home program, which consolidates three previous in-home care programs,” Wills said.

The forum continues SiP’s work advocating for community-based ageing and ensuring transparency around reforms.

Register via email at [email protected] or phone 5259 2032.

The Portarlington Senior Citizens Centre is at 65 Newcombe Street in Portarlington.