Redlands’ senior citizens and people with a disability will be able to access more specialised care as Council transitions out of community care services.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a non-government organisation (NGO) would take responsibility for Council’s community care services (formerly known as respite services) from 1 July 2013.
“The vast majority of senior citizens and people with a disability are currently serviced by highly-specialised NGOs, with Council providing services to a small number of residents,” Cr Williams said.
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“The centre-based day services provide social interaction though structured group activities and some access to paramedical services as well as relieving their carers.
“Redland City Council recognises delivery of services would be more beneficial for clients under an alternative model that could ensure appropriate personal care support as well as access to paramedical services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are available under the one roof.
“We want the best services for residents, delivered by the best providers.
“It is timely for Council to transition out of these services and our decision to hand responsibility to the non-government sector is in the best interests of residents.”
Cr Williams said other large service providers – potentially including those located in the Redlands – would be better placed to access specialised care services.
“Given the increasing ageing population, it is important that we take action to do the best thing for all Redlanders in the long run,” she said.
“No other Councils in Queensland provide centre-based day respite programs for their residents.”
Redland City Council has notified external funding bodies, the State Government Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services and the Federal Government Department of Health and Ageing, of its decision.
Cr Williams said the state and federal governments would be responsible for determining the most appropriate process for transitioning to a new service provider to take over the delivery of community care services from Council on 1 July 2013.
“Council will continue to deliver community care services for seniors and people with a disability until 30 June 2013,” she said.
“A smooth transition of services with minimal or no disruption to our clients and carers is paramount.”
Cr Williams said Council would continue to deliver the State Government-funded Home Assist Secure program that helps older people and people with a disability who wish to remain living in their homes.
“Council’s Home Assist Secure services provide more than 15,000 seniors and people with a disability in the Redlands with free information and referrals about home maintenance, falls prevention, repairs and modifications and home security,” she said
“Delivery of Home Assist Secure services in the Redlands will be unchanged.”
Council has successfully transitioned family day care, long day care, school-age care and camp ground operations to new providers with no loss of community access to those services.
