Northern Grampians Shire Council is committed to supporting Grampians Community Health as it takes over the running of the municipality's Community Care services at the start of next year.
In July this year, council announced it would withdraw from providing Community Care services in January 2027. The decision followed a formal service review in light of Federal Government changes to the way aged care services are funded and delivered.
Council advocated to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to transition the Community Care service to local service providers Grampians Community Health (GCH) and East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS).
Mayor Justine Hide said the council originally hoped the service hours would be split between the two organisations, at either end of the municipality.
"While we are disappointed East Wimmera Health Service was overlooked, we are confident Grampians Community Health is a proven provider," she said.
"GCH is a well-established local organisation that provides health and community services across the Grampians region. They have extensive experience supporting older people and helping people remain independent, connected, and living well in their own homes.
"We are confident our residents will continue to receive excellent support and care through GCH, which will ensure aged care services remain available and responsive to community needs."
Clients will start transitioning from January 1, 2027, with council officially exiting the service on January 10, 2027.
Cr Hide said for now, Community Care services would continue as normal for participants.
"Council will be working closely with Grampians Community Health behind the scenes over the next few months to make sure there is a seamless handover of your care and support," she said.
"Council's goal is to ensure you continue to receive the services you need, with as little disruption as possible."
Cr Hide said Community Care clients would soon receive consent forms, enabling council to share their service information with Grampians Community Health.
Following this, representatives from Grampians Community Health will contact clients to discuss their support needs.
Cr Hide said council's Community Care team aimed to ensure the transition process was a smooth one.
"We will work together to make sure GCH has the information it needs to continue providing your services," she said.
"We thank all our Community Care clients for the trust they have placed in council and our staff over the years. Providing these services has been a privilege."
Cr Hide said anyone who would like to discuss the changes could call council's Community Care team on (03) 5358 8700.
