Hobsons Bay Community Support Services

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Council’s Community Support Services provides support options for people (and their carers) with difficulties performing daily living tasks due to disability or frailty. This assists people to stay active, remain independent community members and avoid the need for early residential care.

The pathway to our aged and/or disability care services and how they are funded by the government will differ depending upon your age.

To Access Support

Aged care- for people aged over 65 (50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) must apply for an assessment (or review) with My Aged Care ph: 1800 200 422.

An assessor will contact you about a face-to-face assessment to discuss all of your support needs. You are then referred for our entry level services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. You may require services that are provided by other agencies such as help with housework, mobility or showering.

Disability support- for people under 65 (or 50 for people with indigenous heritage) (not receiving NDIS). You need to be assessed for Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) eligibility by contacting Uniting Age Well (ph: 1300 783 435). Uniting Age Well also refer for showering, respite and housework services provided by other agencies.

Other service options are available such as NDIS, Home Care packages, Carers Victoria, Medicare and through public hospitals (if you’ve had a recent stay). Please speak to your current service provider if you already have services in place and require a review of support.

If you currently use our services and need to get in touch, please call 9932 1530 or email agedservices@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Council Services

Additional Information for Clients Accessing Support

Changes to service and your safety

Services depend on available resources and your funding eligibility. Services are not provided on public holidays (meals are delivered on another day in advance).

If you cannot be home or are too unwell to receive your service, please contact us to make other arrangements. In an emergency, please provide as much cancellation notice as possible by calling during office hours or leaving a message. You may be charged if 24-hours cancellation notice is not provided.

Please inform us if your situation or emergency contacts change. We can alter the type of help you receive to maintain your independence at home.

If you do not answer the door when we visit, our office staff will attempt to contact you or your emergency contacts to follow up on your wellbeing. If we are unable to contact you and have strong concerns about your safety, we will contact the police who may organise entry into your home.

During periods of excessive heat or in the event of a storm, services may need to be amended, postponed or cancelled.

We take measures to ensure the health and safety of you, our staff and volunteers. You will be notified of any changes that may be required. 

If you witness, suspect or experience abuse (physical, financial, sexual, emotional or neglect) in any context, you can speak to us confidentially. Support is also available at:

 

Advocacy and privacy

Clients can nominate a trusted person, friend, family member or a professional (e.g. State Trustees) to act on their behalf when they feel unable to express their views independently. For people accessing aged care services, you can contact My Aged Care to nominate a ‘representative’.

Your information is private and we do not disclose any details to people who you have not approved. The staff and volunteers need relevant information to provide your care. You have the right to request access to your information and make corrections.

Full copies of the Aged Care Charter or HACC PYP Statement of Rights and Responsibilities can be provided on request. 

 

Fees

Fees are based on government subsidies, your household income and vary for each service and person. Fees are agreed upon before any service commences with invoices sent monthly.

Services may be suspended if fees are unpaid. Please contact us if your income changes. We recognise expenses may be difficult, so contact us if you are experiencing financial hardship and want to discuss a repayment plan or temporary fee reduction.

We also offer suggestions like free and confidential financial counselling via National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or Centrelink 13 24 68.

At this time, we can not accept a ‘fee for service’ for people ineligible for the government funding discussed during your assessment (if you are a Home Care Package or NDIS recipient for example).

Community Transport

Our community transport service offers volunteer mini-bus drivers who provide a safe, affordable, door-to-door service to keep you connected to your community.

Once we receive your MyAgedCare referral, we contact you to discuss service options and inform you of how to book and cancel transport requests.

We offer regular seniors’ group transport to local community centres and monthly group outings to places of interest such as festivals, shopping centres, zoos, exhibitions, cinemas and concerts.

Delivered Meals

This service provides nutritious and appetising three course meals to residents' homes. Meals are mostly delivered by Council volunteers. We offer a choice of at least 12 weekly meals including a variety of options to suit different tastes, dietary requirements and cultural needs.

Meals are delivered on weekday mornings, generally between 9.15am and 12pm. You may call ahead to ask for alternate delivery dates if you have other commitments. Meals are not delivered on weekends or public holidays but are delivered ahead of time, up to one week in advance.

Delivery drivers also provide a monitoring service to ensure your safety and wellbeing. You must be home for your delivery or arrange for someone else to be there who can account for your wellbeing.

A menu selection form and a safe heating and storage instruction guide is provided to you on your first delivery.

Home Maintenance

This service provides minor maintenance and repairs to maintain your home safety and security. Maintenance work where a tradesperson is not required can be discussed and quoted.

Once we receive approvals and referral information from your assessor, we contact you to discuss your service needs.

Support includes:

  • smoke detector installation and battery maintenance
  • changing light bulbs
  • fixing fall hazards
  • relighting gas or water heaters
  • replacing tap washers and toilet cistern floats
  • small tiling repairs
  • clearing minor pipe blockages and downpipe repairs
  • small carpentry or painting works
  • adjusting doors, windows and locks where security is an issue
  • installing washing machine hoses
  • hanging clothes dryers
  • home safety modifications (such as rail and ramp installation) as prescribed by an Occupational Therapist

The program does not provide gardening, cosmetic work, door replacements, security or pet door installation, window or roofing repairs, major repairs/renovations or work requiring a tradesperson like a plumber or electrician.

The quotes for home maintenance services are free. Service labour charges are a minimum of one hour and include the time taken to purchase materials. The cost of materials is in addition to the service.

We are unable to assist with home modifications without an Occupational Therapists report. For public housing modifications your Occupational Therapist needs to liaise with the Office of Housing on your behalf.

Social Support Group

Our social support groups provide recreational and social activities in a purpose-built centre. Our friendly staff and volunteer team provide support with transport, personal care, mobility and assist you to remain active.

Once we receive your MyAgedCare referral, we contact you to discuss service options and inform you of how to book and cancel transport requests.

We operate groups weekdays and cater for different needs, interests and backgrounds. We will help identify a group that will suit your needs.

Lunch and Transport is included with the activity day. Participants are usually picked up on their regular day/s between 8.30am–9.30am and dropped home after 2.30pm. Staff will assist with mobility and walking aids, however you are also welcome to make your own way to and from the centre if you prefer. 

Activities include:

• gentle exercises for the body and mind
• games including bingo, quizzes, cards, brain and board games
• outings for lunch, beaches, markets, shopping and historical tours
• arts and crafts
• gardening
• movies
• celebration days
• barbeques and picnics
• entertainment including music, singing, dancing, guest speakers
• reading, reminiscing and current affairs
• sports including swimming, bowling, quoits, ball games