These reforms will change the way aged care services are funded and delivered, with the aim of increasing choice, quality, and affordability of programs for clients.
As a result, from 31 December 2024, Council will change the way it supports its older residents, moving from a direct service model to a model that assists residents to find the service that best suits them amongst the 120 aged care service providers across Wyndham.
Wyndham City Mayor, Councillor Jennie Barrera, said Council was working closely with the 700 affected residents to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
"We are committed to assisting these residents and their families or carers understand and navigate these changes," Cr Barrera said.
"Council will continue offering these services until the end of 2024 to give current clients ample time to move to a new provider."
"As we transition out of delivering these services, Council will strengthen our role in sector support, advocacy and support for the aged care community."
"We will do this by increasing our investment in the Community Connector Program, which provides residents with access to the information, support and services that they need, when and where they need them, helping to ensure that no one falls through the gaps."
"We'll also be strengthening our role in advocating for the needs of residents to ensure that the voices of residents are better represented at a State and Federal level, and will boost our efforts in planning for older residents to ensure that future infrastructure better meets their needs."
"These changes reflect the feedback we've received from our community during recent consultation about the future of aged care service delivery in Wyndham, which demonstrated that residents do not have a preferred service provider out of Council, community agencies or private providers."
"The results also showed that 29 per cent of respondents want Council to prioritise helping older residents to understand the aged care system and connect them to services; and 26 per cent want Council to support aged care service providers expand their services across Wyndham."
