Access and Support
This MiCare program is available to Elders who are eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (over 65 years old) or the Home and Community Care program (under 65 years old), as well as being from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background. We help these Elders to access the service system if they are unable to do so themselves. We help them access services which can support them to remain as independent and healthy as they can, for as long as they can, at home.
The program currently runs in most regions of Melbourne and is free.
Staff can help clients to:
- Understand the services available
- Register on My Aged Care
- Communicate their needs and wants
- Have support and company at RAS and ACAS assessments
- Organise services they want and need
- Receive advocacy, where needed.
We also follow up with clients to check they have everything they require, and that our clients are happy with the services. If not, we’ll work to help rectify that.
MiCare can also help provide service providers with easy access to clients when they need advice, support, advocacy or assistance with their home care needs.
Why do we do all this, for free?
Because some Elders need the help.
MiCare’s Aged Care Team can arrange in home Regional Assessment Services (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) to address a broad range of issues and concerns affecting Elders, including:
- Assistance with navigating the complex My Aged Care system and helping clients to understand and access services which they may require (respite, home help, personal care)
- Physical and mental health needs
- Social participation activities, such as Planned Activity Groups
- Transportation and mobility needs
- Allied Health assessments for services such as counselling or physiotherapy
- In home modifications to prevent falls and support independent living at home
If CALD Elders experience other issues which cannot be resolved through receiving CHSP/HACC services, the program can assist with referrals to other specialist service providers, such as legal, health, family, dispute resolution or other.
It’s all designed to make you feel cared for and empowered to remain in your own home, with support, for as long as possible.
The fine, fine print:
Who refers people to Access and Support?
Sometimes referrals come from the community, sometimes we have self-referrals/walk-ins, sometimes other service providers think we might be able to help, and sometimes we have referrals from My Aged Care / Regional Assessment Services (RAS) / Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS).
This program operates from our offices in Clarinda, East Bentleigh, Frankston and Prahran.
Please feel free to make contact if you have any queries.
Assistance with Care and Housing
Another MiCare program for vulnerable Elders in the City of Stonnington and surrounding southern metropolitan region is our Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH) program.
The program’s aim is to help elderly clients continue to live in their community as independently as possible, by linking them to appropriate housing or community care options.
Our Aged Care Team can work with clients at the Grattan Gardens Community Centre, or in the client's home if necessary.
Who is eligible?
The program primarily provides assistance to elderly people who are:
- Residing in the City of Stonnington and surrounding southern metropolitan region
- Aged 50 years or older
- On a low income
- Renting, living with family or friends and have some type of housing or homelessness issue
Who refers people to this program?
As per our Access and Support program, sometimes referrals come from the community, sometimes we have self-referrals/walk-ins, sometimes other service providers think we might be able to help, and sometimes we have referrals from My Aged Care / Regional Assessment Services (RAS) / Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS).
Appointments for the program can be made through our Prahran office.
MiCare’s Access and Support Program
Download: Access and Support Program Brochure
MiCare acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and the Australian Government Department of Health.
