By Goya Dmytryshchak
Uniting AgeWell has been awarded the contract to deliver in-home care for the aged and people under 65 with disabilities in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils last week released a joint statement following their controversial decision to outscource home care, personal care and in-home respite.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said Uniting AgeWell was expected to take over in June.
“Under this arrangement, Uniting AgeWell offers continuity of employment for council staff to transition their employment with the same working conditions, with the ability to remain working locally and to maintain their relationships with their clients,” he said.
“The alternative was our staff facing an uncertain future, in light of the impending government funding reforms.
“Our clients will experience a seamless transition of provider, will pay the same fees as they would pay to council and will have the peace of mind that comes with not having to move from one provider to another when their service needs become more complex.”
Uniting AgeWell chief executive Andrew Kinnersly said the not-for-profit’s focus was on helping people live well with choice and peace of mind.
“As more people choose to live in their homes longer, providing high-quality, tailored support is integral,” he said. “Together, we can continue to make a real difference to the lives of older people in the inner west.”
The Australian Services Union branch secretary Lisa Darmanin said its members strongly opposed outsourcing of in-home aged-care services.
“Council in-home care is one of council’s most highly regarded services because of the quality carers that deliver this essential service,” she said.
“The decisions by Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay to outsource in-home aged-care are bad for older residents and bad for hard-working council staff.
“Each of the councillors who supported the outsourcing of in-home aged care should be ashamed of themselves.”
