Older residents in the City of Whittlesea local government area are set to benefit from an expansion of Ageing Well Program services to include Home Care Packages (HCP).
In March, Councillors endorsed the notification to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for Council to become an approved provider of Home Care Packages for older adults.
Currently, Council delivers the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), offering basic, entry-level services such as domestic assistance, personal care, respite, property maintenance, social support programs and meals. However, with the introduction of the Home Care Packages Program, tailored support for older people with more complex needs becomes possible, ensuring continuity of care without the necessity of changing providers once a higher level of service is required, the Council said in a statement.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson says the expansion of services will enable Council to deliver enhanced and innovative service offerings, ensuring older residents can remain independent for as long as possible.
“By offering this service, our older residents can have continuity of care from a trusted provider, ensuring they maintain a sense of security and support as they age,” she said.
“We are regularly listening to and seeking feedback from current residents using the Ageing Well service. With this feedback, we continually evolve and adapt services to meet the changing needs of the community.”
Council will notify the Federal Government of its intention to become an approved provider with the expansion of services to commence once this is finalised, which is expected to be by 2025.
