Uniting AgeWell is significantly expanding its home care services across regional Victoria, taking over almost 300 packages in the Loddon Mallee and Gippsland.
In September the organisation took over 25 Level 2 Home Care Packages (HCPs) from Uniting Care Gippsland, following an agreement between the boards of the two organisations.
The packages complement the 15 Level 3 and 4 packages UA received as part of the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) last year.
A number of Uniting Care Gippsland staff in the client liaison team also transitioned to UA, providing continuity to the 25 home care clients. They will continue to be based in Bairnsdale.
At the start of October Uniting AgeWell announced it will take on 273 HCPs currently provided by the Swan Hill Rural City Council (SHRCC).
SHRCC resolved in July to absolve itself of the Approved Provider responsibility for HCPs, brought about by Federal Government reforms that come into effect in February 2017.
UA was appointed the new Approved Provider after a comprehensive tender process.
Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly said it was an exciting development for Uniting AgeWell, and significantly increased the number of HCPs the organisation delivered across regional and metropolitan Victoria and Tasmania.
“This latest announcement enhances the 70 packages we already deliver in the Loddon Mallee from our Strath-Haven Community Services team in Bendigo,” he said.
Official transfer of the packages from SHRCC to Uniting AgeWell is now underway.
Andrew said a project manager would be appointed to oversee the transfer, and during that time UA would be undertaking regular consultations with SHRCC staff and service partners to ensure a smooth transition.
“While Uniting AgeWell will be the new provider of Home Care Packages in the Loddon Mallee region, there will be no change to the services clients in the region receive,” he said.
“We remain committed to providing continuity and quality of services to clients, and maintaining partnerships with existing providers in the region.”