Debbie Smith from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) recently spoke to members of the High Country CWA in Swifts Creek about the pending changes to Home Care Packages at their Biggest Morning Tea.

“Under the new reform, Home Care Packages will be allocated directly to the consumer via the new My Aged Care gateway,” said Ms Smith, Coordinator of Home Care Packages.  “This means eligible recipients can choose which organisation manages their package and provides their services; and also gives them the option to move their package between providers if necessary.”

Servicing all of East Gippsland, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health is the only locally managed Home Care Package provider covering this expansive area. “We are local people looking after local people,” added Ms Smith.  “We are committed to the wellbeing of the communities we serve and we understand local issues and challenges.”

“We have been delivering quality health and wellbeing services to East Gippslanders for 40 years now and are the local provider of choice for many services, including Home Care Packages. We have an impressive team of skilled case managers and support workers who take exceptional care of our clients, enabling them to remain in their own homes.”

The Aged Care Unit at GLCH have been gearing up for the changes associated with Stage One of the Aged Care Reform scheduled to happen in February 2017.  They have a knowledgeable team of staff available to assist people with their enquiries regarding the changes to Home Care Packages; and can step them through the types of information My Aged Care will require to assess their needs. Staff are also available to speak to local community groups about home care packages, the services GLCH provides and other government programs and initiatives. Call today or visit www.glch.org.au for further details.