Aged and disability providers announced

NEW providers of aged and disability services for the Golden Plains Shire have been confirmed by the Federal Government.

Not-for-profit organisation Silverchain is the new Commonwealth Home Support Program service provider for the municipality.

Silverchain has over 125 years of experience in aged and health care services in the home.

Delivering the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People is Mecwacare.

The organisation has been operating since 1959 and provides residential, community and in-home nursing care and support for older people and people living with a disability.

Since 2018, Mecwacare has been providing aged and disability services in Ballarat.

According to a statement from the Golden Plains Shire, all service clients and their families have been informed of the new providers.

“All clients will continue to receive the services they are currently provided without interruption, with Council’s delivery to cease on 30 June 2022 and the new providers starting in-home care on 1 July,” the statement said.

The announcement comes as councillors voted at the Shire’s March regular meeting to move its aged and disability care services to a dedicated provider.

The Federal Government is responsible for the care services, and recently moved to implement a national system for the sector from 1 July 2023, replacing the CHSP home care packages program.

The change comes following recommendations from the Royal Commission into aged care.

The Shire has previously opposed the new system, stating “it will negatively impact Council’s commitment to deliver high quality services that provide the best value to the community.”