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Lifestyle and Care Community Services | Community Services |
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 Community Services is the provision of care and support in your own home. This service is a flexible option that is available to people in rental and owned accommodation, public housing, retirement villages as well as providing assistance for homeless older persons. The provision of Community Services enables independence and continued accommodation in your current home for a longer period if you desire. Most importantly, the services are flexible to adapt to ongoing changing needs.
Community Services is extensive and varied and are tailored to individual needs, including;
IRT's Community Services consist of both Government funded and private fee service. Anyone can access IRT's private community services, however eligibility criteria applies for all Government funded services. Services available through IRT Community Services include:
Community Aged Care PackagesCommunity Aged Care Packages (CACP) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing. Eligibility is determined by an assessment, which must be undertaken by an Aged Care Assessment Team to provide a suitable package of support services to people living in their own home. The types of services provided include:
These services are available in
Fees for these services are determined by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing. Presently, the fee is 17.5% of the single aged pension, but if you have income above the single aged pension, a sliding scale of fees applies. If you are experiencing financial hardship, a reduction in fees may be negotiated Extended Aged Care at Home PackagesExtended Aged Care at Home Packages (EACHP) provide nursing home type care to people living in their own home. The type of services provided includes those listed in Community Aged Care Packages, but also extends to services such as:
These services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing. Available in the Wollongong, Belconnen and Shoalhaven Local Government areas, eligibility and suitability is determined by an assessment undertaken by an Aged Care Assessment Team. Fees for these services are determined by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing. Presently, the fee is 17.5% of the single age pension, but if you have income above the single age pension, a sliding scale of fees applies. If you are experiencing financial hardship, a reduction in fees may be negotiated. Private Fee for Services ScheduleServices that can be accessed by a fee includes:
Domestic Assistance: This service includes assistance with cleaning and shopping. Transport Services: This service allows clients to access medical and professional appointments with the assistance of IRT staff in a private vehicle. Mileage costs will be charged for transport at 76 cents per kilometre. Registered Nurse Services: Your individual needs can be discussed with an IRT Community Services Registered Nurse. Overnight Respite: Overnight respite provides sleepover or upright staff in the client's home. For sleepover shifts a bed must be available for the staff member. In Home Respite: This service allows the client's carer to obtain in home respite care to take a break from caring or to attend to appointments etc. Home and Garden Maintenance Services: This service allows for assistance with minor home and garden services such as lawn mowing, minor plumbing and household repairs. Meals on Wheels: A frozen meal delivery service is available in some areas. Availability, menus and costs can be obtained from your Community Services Office. Day Respite Centre
IRT's Day Respite Centre provides respite for carers of the frail aged and those suffering from dementia. IRT's Respite Centre is located in the Wollongong local government area at 27a Stewart Street, Wollongong. Assessment for suitability can be arranged by IRT Community Services. Daily fees apply to this service. Full details are available from IRT Community Services. Also available under Day Respite Services during daylight saving IRT is an “Out 4 Tea “ service several evenings a week.
Assistance with Care & Housing for the Aged ProgramAssistance with Care & Housing for the Aged Program (ACHA) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing to assist financially disadvantaged older people to meet both their accommodation and support needs, and to allow them to remain in the community. The ACHA Co-ordinator provides assistance to older people on low incomes who are experiencing difficulties accessing secure and affordable housing, care services and other related agencies. The program assists in areas such as:
These services are available in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas. No fees or charges apply to this service, however occasionally a donation may be appropriate. Supported Housing Initiatives Program
The Supported Housing Initiatives Program links ACHA clients eligible for Department of Housing accommodation to housing with support services, if they are required. This project is supported by Department of Housing accommodation that has been specifically allocated to ACHA clients. Ongoing support is provided through ACHA and IRT. These services are available to elderly people in the Wollongong local government area who are living in poor housing accommodation or are having difficulty accessing support services. Clients must pay rental and four weeks bond associated with their accommodation. This program is funded by the NSW Department of Housing. Department of Veterans' Affairs Veterans' Home Care providerIRT has approved provider status by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide specific aged care services to Veterans. Veterans' Home Care services include:
These services are available in the following local government (Council) areas:
These services are funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The eligibility requires members of the veteran community who hold a gold or white Repatriation Health Card be referred by your General Practitioner for assessment. Charges apply for Veterans' services which are determined by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Full details can be obtained from IRT Community Services. Optional Services Schedule for IRT Residents
Domestic Assistance: This service includes assistance with cleaning and shopping. Transport Services: This service allows clients to access medical and professional appointments with the assistance of IRT staff in a private vehicle. Charges do apply for this service. Registered Nurse Services: Your individual needs can be discussed with an IRT Community Services Registered Nurse. Overnight Respite: Overnight respite provides sleepover or upright staff in the client's home. For sleepover shifts a bed must be available for the staff member. In Home Respite: This service allows the client's carer to obtain in home respite care to take a break from caring or to attend to appointments etc. Home and Garden Maintenance Services: This service allows for assistance with minor home and garden services such as lawn mowing, minor plumbing and household repairs. Meals on Wheels: A frozen meal delivery service is available in some areas. Availability, menus and costs can be obtained from your Community Services Office. Community Services are delivered by a team of dedicated professionals who are skilled in caring for older persons. If you feel you or a close relative are in need of any of these services, please contact our Community Services team to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs. |
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