East Grampians Health Service will no longer assess people seeking services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, with government-appointed contractors taking over assessments immediately.

Regional Assessment Services are now provided by government contractors as part of national aged care reforms aimed at streamlining assessments.

EGHS director of community services Sarah Woodburn said regional assessments supported people to access Commonwealth Home Support Program services, including many community health measures supporting people aged 65 and older living in their own homes – such as allied health, community nursing and home support.

“I would like to reassure the public there will be no changes to the delivery of the Commonwealth Home Support Program services by EGHS, it is only the assessment that has ceased and will be undertaken by government appointed contractors,” Ms Woodburn said.

“We are hopeful over time we will be able to subcontract RAS to these providers.”

EGHS staff have delivered assessments since 2016.

Ms Woodburn said they made ‘a huge difference’ to the lives of older people across Ararat Rural City.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our RAS assessors Jenny Sheehan, Hannah Reid and Julie Lang for the work they have done in supporting our community members to receive the care they needed,” she said.

“They will all continue in other roles at EGHS.”

People seeking RAS assessments can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or at myagedcare.gov.au.

There are no changes to aged care assessment services.

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