In 2020, the Commonwealth Government intends to introduce an open market aged care system where there will be a range of providers available and clients will be able to choose who they receive their services from.
In response to this new system, all Councils across Victoria will need to ensure that they can respond appropriately to these changes.
The Shire will therefore be undertaking a Request for Proposal (RFP) and community engagement exercise over the next few months to ensure all options can be considered by Council in the lead up to the transition of funding arrangements in 2020.
The Shire is committed to ensuring continuity of care for clients as these changes are introduced. Services will continue as normal during this period and we will keep clients and community informed throughout the process.
The services included in the information gathering exercise include:
- Domestic Assistance
- Personal Care
- Respite Care
- Social Support – Individual (Shopping Assistance)
The following services are not included in the RFP:
- Meals on Wheels
- Assessment
- Home maintenance
- Community Transport
- Seniors Clubs
- Positive Ageing
Council is not obligated to proceed with appointing a new service provider at the conclusion of the RFP process.
To inform this process, in March 2019 Council commenced a three month consultation process to engage with current clients of councils aged care services, older residents and their carers living in the Shire and other interested people including health and aged care providers.
Council invited all interested stakeholders to contribute their feedback and advice by telephone, email, letter and by participating in consultation sessions conducted throughout the Shire in April 2019.
The outcomes from the consultation will be presented to Council for their consideration of the best way to transition from the current to future aged care system and the best role for the Shire to play in supporting older residents. Clients and community members will be regularly informed and involved throughout this process.
Further information and consultation opportunities will be available over the coming months and we look forward to working closely with you as we prepare to respond to the changes emerging from the Aged Care Reform
If you have any questions/would like more information or you would like to give us your views, please do not hesitate to phone us on 5950 1688 or email community.care@mornpen.vic.gov.au