By Olivia Condous
A new private aged care provider for Moorabool has made a call out for more staff, after taking over council services this month.
Moorabool Shire council officially ceased providing aged care services at the beginning of July, after announcing in March it was no longer viable for council to provide the support for senior residents after changes were made to government policy.
Silver Chain Victoria was selected by the federal government as the new aged care provider for residents over 65 years of age, taking on approximately 700 clients previously serviced by council through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
In a media release published on July 19, Silver Chain stated they were seeking to fill forty new roles across the Moorabool and Golden Plains shires.
According to the release, experience in aged, community or disability care was not essential to meet the requirements of employment.
In a statement published by Moorabool Shire council in May, mayor Tom Sullivan said the council had made it a priority to ensure the community continued to receive a very high standard of care, and affected council staff were accommodated for after council stopped services.
“We obviously also had council staff affected by this decision, and we’re pleased to know Silver Chain has communicated their intent to retain as many affected employees as possible should staff wish to continue working in this space,” Cr Sullivan said.
“Council has worked very closely with clients and staff throughout this whole process, they have been the priority, and we will continue to ensure open and transparent communication and a smooth transition for clients and staff.”
Silver Chain executive director Carolyn Bell said the organisation provided training for employees, in roles that included supporting clients with housekeeping, personal care, laundry and food preparation.
“We are looking for people who have a passion to serve and support others, particularly assisting our older generation to continue to live independently at home,” Ms Bell said.
