Commonwealth Government Aged Care Reforms
The City of Stonnington has a long history of delivering aged care services to provide independent living services to help our older residents. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme was established and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Aged Care Reforms
In July 2017, the Australian Government commenced aged care reforms. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the full roll-out of these reforms, ultimately increasing competition and changing how the local Government delivers aged services. More recently, the new Federal Government announced it will delay reform implementation from 1 July 2023 to 1 July 2024.
The Australian Government is continuing to release information on the new Support at Home Programme that will combine the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Home Care Packages and Short-term Restorative Care.
Stonnington's aged care services
Council delivers the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), funded by the Australian Government Department of Health for eligible clients aged 65 years and above.
This program includes:
- domestic assistance
- personal care
- respite care
- shopping from a list
- gutters and gardening
- home maintenance
- delivered meals.
The Australian Government Department of Health also contributes funding to the community transport service.
The Regional Assessment Service is also funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and administered by the State Government. This service assesses Stonnington residents aged 65 years and over for eligibility to access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Information Workshops
The City of Stonnington is committed to providing ongoing information to our community as it becomes available and to advocating for our residents to ensure the provision of appropriate services to support ageing and wellbeing.
We are hosting a series of workshops to provide information for community members on the National Aged Care Reform Agenda.
Workshop dates
Thursday, 30 March: 2 to 4 pm at Malvern - completed
Thursday, 13 April: 10 am to 12 midday at Prahran - completed
Tuesday, 18 April: 2 to 4 pm at Malvern
Wednesday, 19 April: 1.30 to 3.30 pm at Prahran - full
Thursday, 20 April: 10 am to 12 midday at Malvern
Wednesday, 26 April: 2.30 to 4.30 pm at Malvern
Places are limited, so please book quickly.
Need help attending?
Let us know, and we'll be pleased to help you with transport or other requirements.
Can't attend a workshop but would like to?
Call 03 8290 3224 or email agedanddiversity@stonnington.vic.gov.au, as more workshops may be held if there is demand.
Resources
Department of Health and Aged Care: Aged Care Reforms and Transforming aged care.
Aged Care Engagement Hub: provides older people with opportunities to get involved in the Aged Care Reforms through surveys, workshops and community events.
Further reading on aged care reforms with links to:
- My Aged Care
- Aged Care Quality Standards
- Aged Care Reforms webinars
- newsletter subscription opportunities.