After much consideration, Manningham Council has made the difficult decision to no longer provide in-home aged care services from 1 November 2023.
The decision was made at the 26 April Council Meeting in response to the significant Commonwealth Government changes to the in-home aged care system.
There are no immediate changes to Council’s in-home aged care services, including domestic help, personal care, respite care, Meals on Wheels and social support. Council will continue to provide these services until at least 31 October 2023.
The Commonwealth Government currently funds Council’s in-home aged care services under a contract arrangement. The changes mean Manningham would no longer be offered this contract. To be eligible, Manningham would need to develop a competitive business that works across a larger geographic region and offers a more comprehensive range of services (e.g., allied health, in-home palliative care and physiotherapy) than is currently provided.
“Unfortunately, this new model is beyond our scope and capability,” Manningham Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said
“Council has considered this issue very carefully and thoughtfully. We want to do what is best for our community in the long term.”
“We are not ‘outsourcing’ our in-home aged care services – the contract model is changing, and we have to respond to it.”
Nearly 50 out of 79 Victorian councils have already decided to transition out of the in-home aged care system. In these cases, the Commonwealth Government has appointed other specialist providers to deliver services. The rest of Australia already operates under a system where local councils are not providers of aged care services in the home.
Cr Diamante said she wanted to reassure residents that the Commonwealth Government will ensure our older clients still receive the services they need.
“The Commonwealth Government will appoint new providers for Manningham who will offer a broader range of services at a similar cost. These providers will meet criteria set by the Government, including quality standards and accreditation.”
“Importantly, our clients will not need to be reassessed by MyAgedCare– they will remain eligible for all services they receive now. We will support existing clients to connect to these new providers and make the transition as smooth as possible. There will be dedicated Council staff to help our clients with this transition.”
Cr Diamante said Council continues to be committed to the safety and wellbeing of its older residents.
“We will continue to offer other services that support healthy and positive ageing, like community transport and other ways to keep people connected.”
“Council would also continue to take an active role in ensuring our community receives high-quality aged care services and will strongly advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members.”
Cr Diamante expressed her deep gratitude to Council’s Aged Care team.
“Many members of this team have put in decades of incredible service to our older adults in Manningham. It’s important to stress that this decision is in no way a reflection on the high-quality work they do.”
“During recent meetings with our community, we have been told time and time again how much they value the outstanding service given to them by our staff over many years. We acknowledge that many deep connections have been made between our team and the clients they have cared for over many years.
“We know that the change may be difficult. We have provided staff with in-person information sessions, regular updates and access to our Employee Assistance Program for personal support.”
“We will also offer a range of other support for our staff, including financial information, education options and pathways for new employment, including other opportunities at Council.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- The Commonwealth Government is making significant changes to the in-home aged care system.
- Due to these changes, Manningham Council, like many other Victorian Councils, has made the difficult decision to no longer provide in-home aged care services from 1 November 2023.
- We will continue to provide these services until at least 31 October 2023.
- At this time the Commonwealth Government will appoint new in-home aged care service providers to Manningham. We will help connect you to a provider and aim for this transition to be as smooth as possible.
- In-home aged care services are those provided by Manningham Council on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. These are generally carried out in the homes of our older adults in Manningham.
- These services include:
- domestic help – for e.g., shopping and cleaning
- personal care – for e.g., showering
- respite care
- Meals on Wheels
- and social support – specialised group activities in a community hall.
- There are no immediate changes to your regular services.
- We will continue to provide these services until at least 31 October 2023.
- At this time, the Commonwealth Government will appoint new providers for Manningham. You will not need to do anything. We will work with the new providers to ensure a smooth transfer of information.
- We expect the cost for services will be similar to what you pay now.
- Importantly, you will not need to be reassessed by My Aged Care you will remain eligible for all services you receive now.
- You do not need to do anything. We will write to you again to keep you updated on what the next steps will be. We understand that change can be difficult, and we will do our best our support you.
We are working hard to make sure you receive the care you need until we hand over to new providers. However, you may be aware that our ADSS team is already dealing with staff shortages and is not able to meet all client requests. We know that some clients have found this difficult and have expressed their frustration with our staff. We ask for your patience and understanding as our team does their best to meet your needs and provide services when staff are available.
- The Commonwealth Government is responsible for appointing your new provider. This provider will need to meet criteria set by the Government including quality standards and accreditation.
- We don’t know who these new providers are at this stage but will keep you updated when we know more.
- The new providers will be announced before the planned start date of 1 November 2023.
- Manningham Council will provide any relevant personal information and care plans, to the provider.
- This is the same information you have previously provided to My Aged Care.
- This will give the provider the information they need to continue to provide the services you currently receive. If you have any questions about this, please contact us on the details below.
- We understand that change can be difficult. We will do our best to support you with care and clarity.
- Once the Commonwealth Government appoints new providers to Manningham, we will work with them to make sure there is a smooth transfer of information. You will not need to do anything.
- You will not need to be reassessed – you will remain eligible for all services you receive now.
- We will aim for the transition to be done with minimal disruption to your services.
- There will be dedicated Manningham Council staff to help you with this transition and answer any questions you may have about the changes.
If you have any questions, please call 9840 9230 or email manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.
We will hold two in-person community information sessions, which everyone is welcome to attend. Our Mayor, CEO and Director – Connected Communities will attend these sessions. Details are:
- Tuesday 6 June 2023, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Warrandyte Community Centre Victory Room (Level 1, 168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte)
- Thursday 8 June 2023, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Manningham Function Centre (Level 1, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster).
- We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our older residents.
- We will continue to offer services that support healthy and positive ageing, like an expanded community transport service and other ways to keep people connected.
- We will be able to do more for a wider range of older adults, enhancing the range of activities available.
- Manningham Council will also continue to play an active role in ensuring our community receives high-quality aged care services and would strongly advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members.
- Soon we will be going out to our community to learn more about how we can support you to stay connected, engaged and healthy as you age. This information will help inform our future planning. We want to focus on a healthy ageing experience through activities such as an expanded community transport service, more social support activities and programs to help reduce isolation. If you are interested in being a part of this, please get in touch with us on 9840 9230.
- We want to acknowledge the dedication of our Aged Care and Disability Support Services (ADSS) staff and the valuable work they do.
- It is important to note this decision does not reflect the quality of service our staff provided.
- We know that the change may be difficult. We have provided staff with in-person information sessions, regular updates and access to our Employee Assistance Program for personal support.
- We will also offer a range of other support for our staff, including financial information, education options and pathways for new employment, including other opportunities at Council.
- Due to the high quality of their work, Council carers will be highly sought after, and we are confident employment opportunities in the aged care sector will be available to those who wish to continue working after the transition.
- The Commonwealth Government is making significant changes to aged care services and developing a new in-home aged care program. You can visit the Commonwealth Government website to find out more about their changes.
- These changes mean Manningham Council, like many Victorian councils, has made the difficult decision to no longer provide in-home aged care services.
- The Government currently funds Council’s in-home aged care services under a contract arrangement. This contract model is now changing, and we understand we would not be offered a contract within this new program.
- To participate in the new Government program, Manningham Council would need to work across a large geographic region and offer a more comprehensive range of services (e.g., allied health, in-home palliative care and physiotherapy) than we currently provide.
- To compete with other aged care providers, we would need to make major changes to our services that are beyond our scope and capability.
- Council has considered this issue very carefully and thoughtfully. We have also looked at what is best for our community in the long term.
A decision regarding Item 17.1 Aged Care Reform was made at the April Council meeting. Read the full report below.
