Surf Coast Shire Council will no longer be able to deliver in-home assessments of people seeking Commonwealth Home Support Program service from July.
The Regional Assessment Service will be carried out by government-appointed contractors from July 1, following the federal government’s changes to the delivery of aged care.
Councillor Gary Allen said council would provide some assistance to ensure a smooth transition and encouraged people to use My Aged Care to find and access aged care services.
“Assessments will continue, and we encourage people to work through My Aged Care as a first step with any inquiries or to connect with support,” he said.
“Council will also continue to play a key role in supporting people to age well in the place where they live through the implementation of our age-friendly strategy.
“We appreciate this might be an adjustment for some people, but the change is part of national aged care reforms, and it seeks to streamline assessment services.
“While we can no longer deliver assessment services, council has introduced a new aged community connector officer role to help people navigating the new arrangements during the next 12 months.”
Council adopted the Positive Ageing Reform Readiness Plan in 2019, transitioning away from the delivery of the Regional Assessment Service as the last of the council’s five actions.
People seeking assessment should contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au to be connected to one of the new providers.
