Why we need new era in community care

Speaking at Care Connect’s 20^th birthday celebrations in Melbourne, chief executive, Paul Ostrowski, says fostering a positive attitude towards Australia’s ageing population was a critical step towards embracing the opportunities that the next 20 years will bring.

“Major reforms such as Consumer Directed Care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme are rightly placing far greater control in the hands of the people who use our services,” Mr Ostrowski says.

“People, our present and future clients, will be the ones who decide what type of services they need – and organisations that want to thrive will need to listen and respond with innovation.

“We are free to reconsider our services in a brave and bold light – one that asks, how can we provide the best possible services in a market no longer constrained by policy, and balancing agendas?” he asks.

One of the key challenges for the sector, according to Mr Ostrowski, is ensuring people receive support and guidance to make the most of this new flexibility – without being overwhelmed by choice.

From its inception in 1994 as West Care Linkages – a small, not for profit organisation supporting people in Melbourne’s western suburbs – Care Connect has provided guidance and support for people to live their life, their way.

Today, Care Connect assists more than 12,000 people each year with ageing, disability, carer and mental health support, and employs more than 300 people across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Past and present clients, board members, and staff representatives from across three states will come together to celebrate 20 years of connecting at Care Connect’s National Office in Abbotsford, next Wednesday (20 November 2014).