Union organisations have reacted with shock to City of Greater Geelong’s (CoGG) announcement that it plans to ditch home care for the region’s aged.
The City released a statement on Wednesday (April 2) saying CoGG officers have recommended the council transition all in-home community care clients to “specialist local providers”.
Currently, CoGG’s service provides home visits, transport, food preparation, planned activity groups and socialisation programs, basic gardening and orthotics for eligible older people.
Council will vote on whether to go forward with officers’ proposed reforms at a meeting on Thursday, April 10.
Geelong Trades Hall Council secretary and treasurer Anthony Anderson said his organisation was “appalled” at the City’s intentions.
“Geelong Trades Hall Council calls on the City of Greater Geelong Council to rethink its position,” he said.
“(We have) concerns on the ramifications for the people that access these services within the City of Greater Geelong’s coverage and views it as (a) slap in the face for the community of the Geelong region.
Mr Anderson also called on council to “come clean” on whether its meeting would be open to the public.
Australian Services Union Victorian and Tasmanian Branch secretary Tash Wark said the decision was “both cruel and financially reckless” and would blindside people relying on the service.
“Everyone knows the council-run home care service is the best available in our community. Our parents and grandparents rely on these workers to keep them healthy, safe and out of aged care,” Ms Wark said.
“Cutting the service will create safety risks for people who try to keep living at home without the support they need, and will lead to a rush on aged care homes that are already under huge strain.
“The City of Greater Geelong has received more money (from the federal government) than ever to deliver this vital service. This is a reckless decision that puts workers out of a job and cuts services to the community’s most vulnerable.”
CoGG chief executive Ali Wastie said the City’s aim was to “ensure our community is provided the best possible service to its ageing population”.
“When considering these reforms, we had to consider very carefully what would be best for our clients,” Ms Wastie said.
“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.”
