Horsham council’s community services director updated councillors on Monday about aged care reform that has been started by the state and federal governments

The report focused on Home and Community Care funding arrangements and the introduction of the ‘My Aged Care’ website for client registration.

Cr Pam Clarke said the changes were scary and many people would be forced to use an online system to re-register.

“What happens to Mrs Smith who lives in Kaniva and has no access to a computer, or doesn’t know people who have a computer?” she said.

Cr Clarke said it would be a huge issue for isolated aged people, and that one of her older relatives had been told off by a Centrelink worker for not having a computer.

Horsham council’s report stated that My Aged Care will be implemented in Victoria on August 1, 2016.

“Clients in receipt of services prior to August do not need to register with My Aged Care unless their needs or circumstances change significantly,” the report stated.

Cr Robin Barber asks about Horsham Council’s plan for Home and Community Care.

Community Services Director Kevin O’Brien said the business model was being developed. 

Cr Phelan said it was important to keep talking about the issue as he was having trouble with the complexities.

“People under 65 will be referred to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but they may not qualify,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said there was a lot of work being done to transition services over to a new delivery model.

The motion to accept the report was carried despite the concerns expressed by some councillors.