Delivery of home and community care services by local government
Overview
This audit examined the comprehensiveness of Department of Human Services and Council Home and Community Care (HACC) planning processes. As they grow older and less able to look after themselves, many Victorians face the prospect of moving into residential care. In 2003, the program helped over 200 000 Victorians, about 65 per cent of whom were 70 and older. In 2002–03, the Commonwealth and state governments provided $317 million for the program, and local government Councils about $48 million. Program clients paid another $30 million in fees. We found that the department’s and Councils’ planning processes were generally sound, however, there was room for improvement in some areas, particularly in performance assessment. All the demographic evidence suggests that demand for HACC services will continue to grow strongly. This will test the capacity of a system already facing substantial client demand. It is most important that departmental and Council planners, and those who deliver services, build on the many good aspects of the HACC program and address the issues we have identified.