The City of Ballarat has proposed following a number of other Victorian regional councils and transitioning out of providing aged care services directly.

As with other councils that have handed off their Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services to third-party providers, Ballarat Council is citing upcoming changes in the Government’s Support at Home Program – recently pushed back to 2024 – for its move.

According to City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King (pictured), the proposal will see Ballarat Council wind up its aged care services on 30 June next year, with a new provider to take over from 1 July.

“The City of Ballarat proposes to initiate a new council service model that provides social support, community transport and other active ageing services that aim to reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing. 

“We also propose continuing to play an active role in ensuring our community receives high-quality aged care services and will strongly advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members. 

“I am confident these proposed changes will result in an outcome that ensures we meet the needs, aspirations and priorities of our older residents and our entire community,” he said.

Councils such as Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Boroondara have experienced difficulties with their transitions out of aged care services, with staffing shortfalls impacting on the level of care provided to residents.