North West Melbourne Aged Care Assessment Alliance to deliver the new
Published on 10 December 2024
The North West Melbourne Aged Care Assessment Alliance (NWMACAA) has been appointed by the Federal Government to provide a Single Assessment System (SAS) for older consumers across northern and western Melbourne. The SAS is an end-to-end system to support older consumers to access home care and residential aged care services in a way in which they have greater control and choice in the services they receive.
The Alliance, led by DPV Health, is a consortium of four community health organisations (DPV Health, IPC Health, Merri Health and Your Community Health) and two local councils (City of Darebin and Merri-bek City Council), who are tasked to implement the new system.
SAS benefits for consumers will include:
- Simplified assessment process with the NWM Assessment Alliance having capability to conduct all types of Aged Care Assessments.
- Consistent assessments through new streamlined tools.
- Wellness and reablement focus allowing people to regain their confidence, ability and the necessary skills to live as independently as possible.
- Services will be delivered by local organisations and people representative of the communities they support.
The implementation of the SAS follows reforms into Aged Care Assessment arising from recommendations from the Royal Commission in Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2021.
DPV Health CEO, Don Tidbury, says “We are delighted to work with our alliance partners to deliver Single Assessment System for older people across Melbourne’s North and West. Currently older people often have to move between assessment agencies as their needs change, doing their best to navigate an overly complex health system. The new streamlined and single system means older people will get supports quicker and more easily with less confusion and duplication.”
Darebin City Council CEO Michael Tudball adds, “The Single Assessment System will provide a much better experience for our older community members to support their journey through the aged care system. We look forward to working with DPV Health and NWMACAA partners to provide high quality, local assessment services to our ageing population and their carers.”
The service will commence in December 2024.
For more information on the Single Assessment System visit:
https://www.dpvhealth.org.au/single-assessment-service/?
Single Assessment System can be divided into two main categories:
- Aged Care Assessment (ACA) related services which include:
- Home Support Assessments (HSA). These assessments have been previously provided through Regional Assessment Services (RAS), and
- Comprehensive Assessments (CA). Historically, these assessments have been provided by Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs); and
- Residential Aged Care Funding (RAC Funding) Assessment related services for residential care funding.
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Media Contact
For media enquiries, contact Rick Jackson Executive Manager Client Experience & Community Engagement on 0448 998 079 or Rick.Jackson@dpvhealth.org.au
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) has engaged assessment organisations within designated geographical services areas to provide Single Assessment System (SAS).
The North West Melbourne Aged Care Assessment Alliance (NWMACAA) is contracted to service 30% of total Aged Care Assessments and Residential Aged Care Assessments in the Vic 1 Service Area. The remaining 70% is contracted to other local external aged care agencies.
Figure 1: Vic 1 Service Area and associated LGAs
Single Assessment System can be divided into two main categories:
- Aged Care Assessment (ACA) related services which include:
- Home Support Assessments (HSA). These assessments have been previously provided through Regional Assessment Services (RAS), and
- Comprehensive Assessments (CA). Historically, these assessments have been provided by Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs); and
- Residential Aged Care Funding (RAC Funding) Assessment related services for residential care funding.