Shire to review its aged care services

THE Surf Coast Shire is reconsidering what services it will provide to older people and people with a disability.

Councillors noted the findings of a research paper it commissioned on the subject at their October meeting, and resolved to explore options regarding the council’s future role in the light of national reforms to the aged care sector.

The federal aged care reform program will mean local government will no longer automatically be a designated service provider. The market will instead be open to many potential providers through a reform agenda aimed at increasing individual choice.

The research paper analysed the council’s services and the existing and likely future need for aged care service in the shire, and found the number of older people requiring services is expected to grow.

The paper researched how aged care is provided in other areas, including locations where councils were not a service provider.

It also looked at how different providers deliver services and their plans for the future.

Shire mayor Brian McKiterick said the “Positive Ageing” review was necessary to plan the council’s future role in aged and disability services.

“We know that our services are well regarded and our staff do a fabulous job. What we also know is our traditional way of doing things won’t survive in the competitive environment being introduced by the federal government. So in reality we have no choice but to ask the important questions about the future of council’s services. One thing is sure, though – council is committed to ensuring that older people and people with a disability can access the services they need.

“And we must always ensure that ratepayers are confident their rates are being used responsibly.

“Council officers will now develop an options paper, which is expected to be available in early 2018. We’ll be keen to hear what people think of those options at that point.”