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Getting help for the first time

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

This referral can be made by you or you can give a relative, friend or doctor permission to make the referral for you. The way you make a referral is different depending on your age.

  • If you are this age and you are not already a client of a Merri-bek Aged and Disability Service, you will need to register as a My Aged Care user.

    Registration is needed to enter the aged care system in Australia. Once you are registered you can access information on ageing and aged care, have your needs assessed and be supported to find and access services.

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

    Assessment

    Individuals will participate in a Living at home assessment, which is 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.

  • Home and community care - for younger people’ (HACCPYP) Program

    We also deliver care and support to eligible community members - as part of a program jointly funded by the State and Federal governments.

    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.

    Assessment

    Individuals will participate in a Living at home assessment, which is 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 this 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
    • 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 your more connected with others in the community
    Do you want to learn more?

    For further information and to discuss eligibility contact Merri-bek City Council Assessment Services Intake Officer on 9240 2338 or intakehomecare@moreland.vic.gov.au.

    Find out more about support services for people with a disability

We offer many different types of support services.
See Support services to find out more.

If you want to begin receiving a support service, we we would be happy to discuss different options with you. You can contact us on 9240 2302 or email homecare@merri-bek.vic.gov.au