Mansfield Shire Council has formally recommended to the Commonwealth Government that Mansfield District Hospital becomes the main provider of home and community care services in the Shire after 30 June 2022. Council has made a decision to cease providing these direct services after 30 June 2022.
Council is currently the main provider of home and community care services in Mansfield Shire. The service agreement, which ends on 30 June, includes services such as home care, personal care, home maintenance, planned activities groups, carer’s respite, Meals on Wheels and volunteer transport.
Reforms in the aged and disability sectors have had a significant impact on the way home and community care programs are funded, planned and delivered. As a result of the reforms, many councils across Victoria have had to reconsider how aged care services are delivered in their communities.
Council consulted with the community in April 2021 to consider its role in providing home and community care services under the reformed arrangements. The community said that it was important for a provider of these services to be local, have demonstrated capacity for a range of services, be trusted and accessible.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said Council was confident that Mansfield District Hospital met the community’s needs and that other high quality agencies were already providing these services in the community.
“Our decision to recommend Mansfield District Hospital is based on its track record and capacity providing a continuum of services to our community. The Hospital meets the community’s key concern of a trusted provider of home and community care services in Mansfield Shire,” said Cr Tehan.
“While the Commonwealth Government will make the decision about who will become the main service provider, other agencies already operating in our community are also well-placed to deliver quality services. With this confidence, Council has therefore determined that it no longer needs to be the main provider of home care services in Mansfield Shire.
“There will be no reduction in service as a result of these changes. We will continue to work with the Hospital to support their application to the Commonwealth Government. When a new provider is selected, we will work with them to make sure there is a seamless handover.
“While we will no longer provide direct home and community care services, Council will continue to advocate and plan to ensure the needs of older people in our community are met.” said Cr Tehan.
For more details about the change, Council is offering drop-in community sessions at the Council Chambers where community members are invited to speak directly with Council.
Community members with questions about the change are encouraged to contact Council directly on 03 5775 8555 or email council@mansfield.vic.gov.au