The City of Casey has begun the process to proactively transition out of aged care and disability services in response to the Commonwealth Aged and Disability reforms.
The decision was made at the Tuesday 14 December council meeting following a review of the council’s aged and disability service.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff said the decision meant Council now had an opportunity to play a different role in supporting older residents and residents living with a disability, and potentially supporting a much greater number than it was previously capable of.
“There will be significant changes in the aged and disability sector, with a greater emphasis on client choice, a competitive market and a requirement for services providers with specialist skills as part of a holistic service,” Ms Duff said.
“Council still have a vital role to play in this space – a role that aligns with our strategic focus of enhancing access to service to support healthy and active living, planning and developing neighbourhoods to support people to be physically active in their daily lives, and supporting an inclusive, healthy and connected community.
“We know that these things are important to our residents through the community consultation we have undertaken, the most recent being the Living and Ageing Well in Casey survey conducted in August and September this year and completed by more than 1000 residents, including current users of our services.”
“By re-orienting council’s role and investing more in the development of an age and disability-friendly city, we can support a greater number of residents and still provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in the community.”
Changes are not expected to be made to services before 30 June 2022 at the earliest, in line with the current funding arrangements and contracts that are in place.
Residents who currently receive aged and disability services will be directly notified before changes occur with any of Council’s services and will be reviewing every individual client’s needs.
