Getting started

Age Well Planning Program

Our Age Well Planners are dedicated to supporting our ageing community with valuable information and resources. Our team is here to help you and your carers with unbiased information about services and support, ensuring over 55s age well.

Our Age Well Planners can help you

  • Find support at home or in your community. So you can live longer, stronger, and safer.
  • Register with My Age Care.
  • Request additional services if you are already receiving help at home.
  • Connect with local service providers and other health professionals.
  • Find Home Care Package Providers.
  • Assist with Centrelink applications and complete forms.
  • Apply for council and community initiatives.
  • Access information on social activities, exercise programs, and volunteering opportunities.

Contact Age Well Planners

My Aged Care

'My Aged Care' is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services.

This means, to access services in Merri-bek you will need to register on the My Aged Care website. 

You can apply for the My Aged Care assessment online via the My Aged Care webpage if you are: 

  • A resident 65 years and over 
  • Over 50 and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Contact My Aged care 1800 200 422

  • You will need

    • Your Medicare card
    • 10-20 minutes to fill out the form or to talk to someone on the phone.

  • My Age Care will have a friendly chat with you about your daily life, health and wellbeing. They’ll ask about the things you’re managing well on your own, and discuss the areas you may benefit from support. 

    Your answers will help the My Aged Care team understand your needs. 

  • If a translator is required, My Age Care can arrange one in your preferred language.

    If your application is successful, a friendly and qualified healthcare professional will be in touch to schedule a Living at Home assessment via the My Aged Care webpage.

    If you need help with this process you can contact our Age Well Team.

  • If you don’t qualify for My Aged Care, support is still available if you’re not eligible, such as Home and Community Care for Younger People.  

Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP)

If you’re under 65 and you have additional support needs (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander under 50), you could be eligible for the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP)

  • HACCPYP is jointly funded by the State and Federal governments, enabling our ageing community to be more active and independent. 

    This program provides basic support and maintenance to those living at home and is targeted towards people aged under 65 and those aged under 50 who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The purpose of this program is to support individuals to be more active and independent at home and in the community.

  • Individuals will participate in a living-at-home assessment, which is a holistic and person-centred assessment conducted by a health professional.

    They will work together to develop and identify what’s important to and for the clients to remain living independently at home. The assessment process will include the client and other persons if required/appropriate. 

    The assessment will normally take place in the client’s home.

    Services you can access as part of the HACCPYP program

    • Assessment: initial assessment to confirm eligibility for the program and assistance to help you work out what you need. 
    • Access & Support: Short-term support for those who have additional needs that are more complex and help to understand and access the support services.
    • Allied Health: Referrals for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Dietetics, Nursing
    • Domestic Assistance: Help around the home with cleaning. 
    • Delivered Meals: Prepared meals delivered to your door.
    • Personal Care: Assistance in the shower.
    • Property Maintenance: Handy person service (not regular lawn mowing or gardening). 
    • Personal Alert/Alarm: Assessment for Government-funded alarms for those eligible.
    • Respite Care: Providing the carer with a break
    • Meal Preparation: Support to prepare meals to cook at home.
    • Shopping Assistance: Escorted/unescorted
    • Social Support: Includes groups and activities to get you more connected with others in the community

  • For further information and to discuss eligibility contact Merri-bek City Council Assessment Services Intake Officer by phone 8311 4337 or email haccintake@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Care Finder Program

The Care Finder Program is a Federal Service that helps senior residents in Merri-bek navigate the aged care system.

If you or a loved one are finding it difficult to understand your options or complete paperwork, trained care finders are available to guide you every step of the way. 

Whether you have complex needs, face language barriers, or just need some extra assistance, this program is designed to ensure everyone in our community has access to the care they deserve.

For more information, visit the Care Finder Program website.  

Access and Support

Facing challenges accessing the services you need? Our friendly Access and Support Officers are here to help! 

Whether you're a resident or a carer, we can provide short-term support to overcome obstacles and connect you with the right resources.

  • Our Access and Support Program can help you to:

    • Navigate the system: We'll help you understand the variety of support services available in Merri-bek.
    • Simplify the process: We'll explain how different services work and guide you through the steps involved.
    • Advocate and support: We can provide specialised support and advocate on your behalf.  

  • Don't hesitate to reach out, our team is here to connect you to the services you deserve. 

    You can contact us today:

    • Phone: 9240 2270 
    • We can also connect you with a qualified interpreter upon request.