About Care Finder Program (including In Home Care Services in Greater Dandenong)
The Better Place Australia Care Finder Program (including In Home Care Services in Greater Dandenong) is funded by the Australian Government via the primary health networks. The program delivers a national, face-to-face network of care finders. It provides support for vulnerable older people to interact with My Aged Care, access in home care services, and other relevant supports in the community.
Program Team Leader, Jas, shares what Care Finder Program is
What services can older people access?
There are various services that can be accessed. The Providers of these services could be located within the City of Greater Dandenong, in other areas of Melbourne or across the State. Wherever they are located, we can help.
In home services include:
- personal care
- domestic care
- meals
- social support
- allied health services
- in home respite
- community services that don’t come under the My Aged Care banner, eg, mental health, financial counselling, carer services and more
Who qualifies for Care Finder?
A person needs to meet certain government requirements to qualify for the Care Finder program in Dandenong through Better Place Australia.
These are, the person:
- needs help with one or more everyday tasks
- is aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) OR aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) on a low income and homeless or at risk of being homeless
Reasons for requiring intensive support may include, but is not limited to:
- isolation or no support person
- communication barriers, including limited literacy skills
- difficulty processing information to make decisions
- resistance or hesitance to engage with aged care, institutions, or government for any reason
- the person’s safety is at risk, or they may end up in a crisis situation
The My Aged Care assessment will determine if the person qualifies. We can assist with the assessment process.
How does Better Place Australia help?
We can support people who do not have anyone else to help them, to be able to gain an assessment from My Aged Care, and then set up services in their home including things like personal and domestic care, meals, social supports. etc. We will have a face to face consultation with the person to establish if they qualify, and to understand their concerns and wishes. We will also have phone contact with any other party if needed
Jas shares how we have helped older people in Greater Dandenong remain living at home longer
Can I refer myself to Care Finder Program (including In Home Care Services in Greater Dandenong)?
Yes. You can refer yourself. You can also be referred by health or community services, family or friends.
Make an enquiry
To make an enquiry about the Care Finder Program (including In Home Care Services in Greater Dandenong), or if you would like more information or brochures about Care Finder, feel free to email the email the team. We will endeavour to answer any questions you may have, or please call 1800 934 299.
Supporting services available for older people
Elder Abuse prevention Services
An older person-centred service that supports older people in conflict and preventing elder abuse.
Financial counselling
Support for older people providing information, advocacy and assistance for financial hardship and unexpected life changes.
Counselling
Counselling support for older people seeking to manage difficult life circumstances and conflict with family, carers or friends.
We also offer further support services including facilitated family meetings and mediation for older people and their families.