Aged care exit looms for the City of Greater Geelong

An independent review into the City of Greater Geelong’s provision of aged care services has resulted in a major recommendation that the Council transitions all in-home community care clients to local providers. 

Currently, the Council delivers both Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services.  

However, Support at Home will soon replace the HCP program from July 1, with the CHSP to follow suit no earlier than July, 2027.

With the impending transition to Support at Home on the horizon, the City engaged independent consultants to conduct a full review to inform and assist the Council in deciding the City’s future involvement in in-home community care services.

With a new Aged Care Act also commencing from July 1, the City acknowledged that the combination of changes will significantly impact its current in-home community services model. 

The review recognised that specialist aged care service providers would be best placed to provide ‘the best quality services’.

“Our aim is to ensure our community is provided the best possible service to its ageing population, and this has always been the core priority of our community care service,” City of Greater Geelong Chief Executive Ali Wastie explained.

“When considering these reforms, we had to consider very carefully what would be best for our clients. Aged Care is complex, and every client has their own bespoke needs, so we wanted to really take the time to get this right.

“We feel that specialised aged care providers who make this their core business will provide the best standard of care going into the future. We are committed to guiding our staff and clients through any transition, but cannot pre-empt how Council will respond to our recommendation.”

Councils across Victoria have repeatedly stated that the Support at Home transition has challenged existing service provision. While some, including the City of Kingston, called for a longer transition period, others have already handed over services to local providers. Examples include the City of Port Phillip, and Whitehorse City Council

There are several exceptions, with Moyne Shire Council previously speaking to Hello Leaders about its decision to continue delivering aged care services. 

The City of Greater Geelong has already contacted local aged care providers to discuss what the transition of services would look like if the changes are voted on and approved by Council at its next meeting on Thursday, April 10. Clients will be contacted shortly after to inform them of what happens next.

A petition to save up to 300 jobs that would be affected by the closure of services is also running with the Australian Services Union (Vic, Tas) claiming that no meaningful consultation with workers has occurred.

“The Council’s community care workers provide older Geelong residents with the services they need to help them to live safely and comfortably at home,” the petition states.

“City of Greater Geelong community care workers are highly skilled, dedicated and experienced professionals who support many thousands of people in and across Greater Geelong and the Bellarine. Their vital work plays a significant role in reducing pressure on already over-burdened aged care facilities as well as supporting people’s dignity and choice to live safely and well in the comfort of their own homes. 

“This decision is being made without meaningful consultation with the workforce.”

In its most recent audit of services, The City of Greater Geelong (CHSP services) and the Greater Geelong City Council (HCP services) were found compliant with all relevant Quality Standards. 

If the Council votes to change to a new care model the City will continue to deliver its Positive Ageing Strategy while supporting current clients to transition to new providers. 

It will also continue to deliver a range of services including grants for senior activities, facilities such as senior centres and neighbourhood houses, sports infrastructure, library funding, seniors week activities, advocacy against elder abuse, and promoting positive ageing.