Regional Assessment Service ceases but care continues

East Grampians Health Service is no longer providing in-home Regional Assessment Services for people seeking Commonwealth Home Support Program services.

The changes came into effect on July 1, with the Regional Assessment Services now being conducted by government appointed contractors, as part of the national aged care reforms aimed at streamlining assessment services.

EGHS Director of Community Services Sarah Woodburn said RAS assessments support people to access Commonwealth Home Support Program Services, including most community health services aimed at people over 65 living in their own homes, such as allied health, community nursing and home support.

“I would like to reassure the public that 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 that over time we will be able to subcontract RAS to these providers.”

Since 2016, the EGHS RAS Assessors have delivered the program and 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 that they needed. They will all continue in other roles at EGHS,” Ms Woodburn said.

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

Currently, there are no changes to Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS).