Two new aged care providers for Macedon Ranges, Vic

Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria has announced that Benetas and Intereach have been awarded contracts to transition into delivering aged care services currently provided by Council.

This announcement gives Council and clients more certainty to progress the transition of services over the coming months — a dedicated staff member will support clients through the transition period and be a key conduit of information between clients, Council, the community and providers.

Council’s CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said, “Transferring these services is a difficult, yet necessary decision for Council — it will allow us to refocus our investment to support a broader cohort of older residents in the shire.

“The two new providers have both already had a presence locally and Council will be there every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for our clients, their families and staff.”

Mayor Annette Death said Council had a series of ongoing commitments towards supporting older community members, which would continue beyond the delivery of in-home services.

“The 2021 Census highlighted that we have close to 10,000 residents over the age of 65 in our shire — almost a fifth of our population,” she said.

“We want to ensure that we continue to support this cohort as best as we can, to reinforce the Macedon Ranges as a great place to live and support meaningful contributions in our community.”

Last year, Council resolved it was no longer best placed to deliver aged care services and would finish its role via the Commonwealth Home Support program on 30 June this year, following lengthy consideration and significant sector reforms by the Australian Government over the past decade.

From 1 July next year, the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Home Care Packages Program and Short Term Restorative Care Programme will merge together under the new commonwealth-managed Support at Home Program.

Under the new model, providers will offer a much broader suite of services than what Council currently provides and is resourced for across in-home, personal, nursing and allied health services.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Cecilie_Arcurs