Anyone can refer to Care Coordination for consideration of a needs assessment.

However, for new referrals or where there are clinical complexities, it is preferred that referrals come from your GP practice (this can include your practice nurse). This helps ensure we have the right medical information to assess your needs safely and accurately.

Subject to meeting the needs criteria, we can arrange for support workers to offer assistance with heavy household tasks, such as cleaning bathrooms and floors. They may also be able to assist with other tasks (as identified in the assessment).

Please note: 

To be eligible for this support, generally you will need to hold a community services card, and not have family (or others) living locally that could reasonably be expected to assist you.

Health-funded support covers generally covers essential cleaning only. It does not include non-essential or occasional tasks such as cleanig ovens or windows. If you require these services, you may need to arrange them privately.

Health-funded home support does not cover garden maintenance or lawn mowing.

If managing your garden is difficult due to a disability or health condition, you may wish to speak with your GP or practice nurse about applying for a Disability Allowance through Work and Income, which may help contribute toward these costs.

If you are unable to shower safely on your own, a needs assessment can determine whether you are eligible for personal care support.

If approved, this may include assistance with:

• Showering
• Washing
• Dressing
• Other hygiene needs

Your safety and dignity are central to this assessment.

For people assessed as having higher support needs, assistance may include:

• Help getting in and out of bed
• Dressing and undressing
• Heating meals
• Basic laundry
• Medication prompts

If eligible, a personalised care plan will be developed with you and the support provider to ensure services are tailored to your assessed needs.

Support levels vary depending on individual circumstances and available funding.

Yes. If you are assessed as eligible for health-funded support, this can be provided in addition to any privately funded services you choose to arrange.

Your assessment will determine what level of funded support you qualify for.

A needs assessment will indicate whether your care needs can be safely supported in the community. If your needs cannot be met at home, you may be assessed as eligible for aged residential care.

Please note that residential care is income and asset tested. A Residential Care Subsidy may be available through Work and Income for those who meet the financial criteria.

We can guide you through this process if required.

A needs assessment can be undertaken to identify how you as a full-time carer can be supported. This will take into account, the needs of the older person, and the impact on the full-time carer.

If eligible, support may include:

• Help with personal care tasks
• Home support services
• Respite options to give the carer a break

Options will be discussed with you at the conclusion of the assessment and tailored to your individual circumstances and the services available in your area.