Getting help for the first time

To access our services for the first time you will need a referral.

The way you are referred to us depends on your age.

If you are over 65, or if you are Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander and over 50

Registration is needed to access aged care supports in Australia. If you are over 65, or if you are Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander and over 50 and not already a Community Wellbeing client, you will need to register with My Aged Care.

Once registered your needs are assessed to ensure you get the right support to help you stay independent for longer. 

Assessment

Please Note:

The Commonwealth is transitioning to a new single-assessment process as of the 1 July 2024.

If you have been referred for an assessment, but have not heard from an assessor before the 1 July please contact My Aged Care

Visit the My Aged Care website for more information or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

 

Assessments are done in person, at your own home. You don’t need to go anywhere. The assessor will call you to arrange a time to visit.

You and the Assessor will work together to identify what’s important for you to remain living independently at home. The assessment will determine your support needs and what types of services you may be eligible for.  

If you wish, a family member, friend, carer or advocate can support you during your assessment. 

Commonwealth Home Support Program - CHSP

CHSP is funded by the Australian government and provides entry-level support for older Australians who may be experiencing difficulties in managing daily tasks. 

The purpose of this program is to support you to be more active, independent and safe at home and in your community.

Services you can access include:

  • Domestic assistance
  • Personal care
  • Delivered meals, centre-based meals or meal preparation
  • Social support
  • Property maintenance
  • Respite
  • Shopping
  • Referrals to other support providers, such as allied health practitioners, District Nursing service, etc.

If you are under 65, or if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and under 50

Assessment

Assessments are done in person, at your own home. You don’t need to go anywhere. The assessor will call you to arrange a time to visit.

You and the Assessor will work together to identify what’s important for you to remain living independently at home. The assessment will determine your support needs and what types of services you may be eligible for.  

If you wish, a family member, friend, carer or advocate can support you during your assessment. 

Home and community care - program for younger people (HACC-PYP)

HACC-PYP is funded by the state government and provides support for younger people with disabilities who are not eligible for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The purpose of this program is to support you to be more active, independent and safe at home and in your community.

Services you can access include:

  • Domestic assistance
  • Personal care
  • Delivered meals, centre-based meals or meal preparation
  • Social support
  • Property maintenance
  • Respite
  • Shopping
  • Referrals to other support providers, such as allied health practitioners, District Nursing service, etc.

Help to access services

Sometimes you may need extra support to access aged care and disability services, or other supports in the community.

Support is available if you have complex or diverse needs, or have difficulty finding out about services or applying for support services. Our Access and Support program or our care finder program may be able to help you. This is a free service.

Our Access and Support Officer can:

  • Provide information about services that help you to remain living at home
  • Help you to access aged care or disability services
  • Connect you to service providers
  • Support you to independently access the service system
  • Provide advice and support to help you access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

You can contact our Access and Support Officer on 03 5471 1735.

For more information about NDIS, please visit the NDIS website.

 

We offer many different types of services to help you to remain independent in your home.

 

If you need more information on accessing services, you can contact us on 03 5471 1766 or email intakeassessment@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.