Borough to continue providing aged care services

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has vowed to continue offering at home care to elderly residents following a change in federal funding.

Despite more than half of the borough’s population being aged over 60 years old, concerns were raised over the council’s capacity to continue to deliver aged care services.

An independent review found strong public support for the council’s aged care program, despite independent contractors stating it will soon no longer be viable.

An official council document said independent consultants, “concluded that council’s capacity to provide a competitive service in this marketplace was limited and not sustainable.”

The borough’s aged care services are currently funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program which helps council maintain their ‘zero waiting list’ promise to residents accessing care.

Changes to federal funding come as a result of recent recommendations into aged care reform with the government set to begin directly funding the individual rather than service providers.

During the April 28 meeting council officially rejected the recommendation to transition from delivering aged care services.

“Our community is characterised by its commitment to support our older residents and accordingly the officer recommendation is for council to continue to provide a service until or unless it is no longer possible,” the document reads.

Council also resolved to update its review of aged care services after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is completed in 2024.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said the consultation period conducted prior to council’s meeting received more than 200 responses from the community.

“Council-provided aged care is one of our most popular public services, and for me personally, one of our most important,” he said.

“My fellow councillors and myself have received many calls and emails supporting the work council does in aged care, and last night, this council made a strong commitment to continuing to provide those services.”