Elderly Victorians at risk of losing crucial meals program as federal funding cuts bite

Federal cuts to home supports for the aged have hit Victoria, sparking fears the vital Meals on Wheels program is at risk.

Elderly Victorians are at risk of losing a crucial program providing meals and social connections as a major health service provider teeters on the brink of collapse.

Meals on Wheels, regarded for its in home care for older Australians, confirmed this week it was under “enormous pressure” after services were scaled back under the Federal Government.

Ripple effects have flowed into Victoria which could lead to the service’s dismantling in parts of the state amid dwindling support from external suppliers and local government.

The state’s peak body released a damning report laying bare the struggles faced by Meals on Wheels Victoria, calling for renewed funding and government subsidy.

The report claimed meal services had been drastically downgraded in parts of the state due to a lack of clarity about funding to the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

“A provider new to the sector was recently given the CHSP contracts for two local government areas (both councils had recently ceased providing services),” a spokesman said.

“When Meals on Wheels Victoria contacted them and asked if they wanted to become a member of the association their representative said ‘but we don’t do Meals on Wheels’.

“They deliver frozen meals once a fortnight to residents within their designated regions.”

Meals on Wheels claimed the new provider received the same government subsidy of $7.50 as providers who still used volunteers and delivered between three and five times each week.

Meals on Wheels has services across 87 locations in Victoria.

State manager Nelson Mathews said changes to the nearly 70 year program under the Federal Government were having a profound impact its Victorian branches and recipients.

In many areas, activities such as regular meal deliveries and the monitoring of a person’s health and wellbeing had been drastically curtailed and reduced to a product transaction.

Social connection and opportunities for members of the public to volunteer with the service had all but disappeared, the report stated.

“The erosion of this health service — aimed at keeping people living at home longer, and reducing visits to hospital — is falling apart, sadly leaving many vulnerable Victorians nutritionally, physically and socially at risk,” Mr Mathews said.

Meals on Wheels has called an urgent review and impact assessment on smaller communities and its recipients should the company collapse.

“At a time when the healthcare system is under enormous pressure, investing in preventive health care is more important than ever,” Mr Mathews said.

“The watering down of this essential service just doesn’t make sense.”