The City of Port Phillip is currently navigating a complex and transformative period in its aged care services, spurred on by the impending implementation of the Commonwealth's aged care reforms. These changes, as detailed in the recent Council meeting on February 7, 2024, reflect a substantial shift in the approach to aged care delivery, directly impacting the local community and its elderly residents.

The Council's response to these reforms is encapsulated in its proposed "Village Model," a service delivery model developed to adapt to the changing aged care landscape. This model arises from the key findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is shaped by the need to transition from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program (SHP). The SHP aims to unify various care programs, offering increased client choice and control, individualised funding, and consistent national assessment and service provision.

This strategic shift acknowledges the Council's current limitations in scale, operational efficiencies, and clinical capabilities to meet the demands of the new SHP. The Village Model proposes to continue providing some Commonwealth funded services such as group social support, transportation, and delivered meals. However, it also plans to transition other services, including domestic assistance, personal care, and respite care, to specialist aged care providers better suited to meet the new requirements.

A cornerstone of the Village Model is the introduction of a Community Connector service. This service aims to assist older residents in transitioning to new care arrangements, emphasising the continuity of care and connection to local services. Feedback from community consultations and engagement activities highlights the critical role this service will play in ensuring the successful implementation of the Village Model.

The Council's approach reflects a commitment to supporting its aging population while adapting to a more competitive and demanding aged care environment. The consultation process, involving clients, staff, advisory committees, and community groups, has provided valuable insights into the community's needs and concerns. Key themes emerging from these consultations include the importance of quality assurance, managing the impact on staff and client relationships, affordability of services, and effective transition management.

Financially, the Council faces challenges in aligning its service delivery with the shifting funding landscape. The proposed model assumes efficiency gains and cost recovery for externally funded services, which will need careful management to ensure sustainability.

The implications of these changes are far-reaching. The community is understandably concerned about the impact on current clients, especially given the proposed changes to in-home services. The Council's detailed planning and engagement with the Commonwealth Government aims to ensure that transitions are smooth and that continuity of care is maintained.

The City of Port Phillip's response to the aged care reforms is a carefully considered strategy that seeks to balance the practical realities of changing funding models and regulatory requirements with the community's needs and values. As the Council moves towards implementing the Village Model, it will remain focused on supporting older residents to age positively within the community, upholding its commitment to inclusive and effective aged care services.

Council proposes to invest in a Community Connector service for an initial 12 to 18 month period to assist older people transition from their existing programs to a number of services including:

• The new Support at Home Program
• The My Aged Care program 
• Council, and locally provided services already mentioned, and most importantly,
• The maintenance of continuity of care with no gap in the overall services for all clients.

Council are expected to vote on adopting the Aged Care proposal in the near future given the 1 July 2024 deadline to transition to the new Commonwealth funding arrangements.