Our Home and Community Care Service is designed to keep people active and healthy at home for as long as possible. Our clients are encouraged to participate in their care with our trained staff available to do the tasks they are no longer able to do themselves.
How do I get some help at home?
If you are looking for some help at home, you or someone you authorise, can ring Council and speak with our Intake Officer to organise a 'living at home' assessment. This assessment will provide information on services available both through Council and in the community.
A doctor’s referral is not required. We accept referrals from the person themselves, their family, friends or any health professional (for example hospital or occupational therapist.)
Who is eligible for this service?
Our Intake Officer will request information to determine a client’s eligibility. Our services are to assist:
- Frail aged
- People with disabilities
- Carers of these people
Special needs groups include:
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Indigenous people.
- People with dementia.
- Financially disadvantaged people
- People living in remote and isolated areas.
How much does it cost?
These services are subsidised by Council and State and Federal Government. Only eligible clients can receive these services and the cost depends on your income and ability to pay. This will be determined during the assessment process when one of our Assessment staff will visit your home to see if you are eligible and develop a care plan to meet you and your carer's needs. During your assessment you can also talk about information and referral to other health and community services.
What kind of help can I get?
You can get assistance with day to day tasks which you are no longer able to complete yourself.
Our Home and Community Care (HACC) services include:-
Home care - Practical assistance and support with routine household tasks such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, sweeping and washing floors.
Personal care - Support with personal daily tasks such as dressing, showering, shaving and grooming.
Personal assistance - Support with shopping, banking, letter writing and payment of bills.
Home Maintenance
Respite Care
This service can assist clients with minor household repairs that do not require a skilled tradesperson. This can include tasks such as spring cleaning, clearing gutters, cleaning windows, taking rubbish to the tip, some garden maintenance* etc. Ramps and rails can also be installed following a referral from an occupational therapist.
*Garden maintenance is only provided to address safety or access issues. Unfortunately we are unable to provide general weeding or lawn mowing.
Respite care assists with the care of frail older persons or people with a disability while the carer has a well earned break. This service can be tailored to the individual needs of the client and the carer. Respite care can be provided in the home or out in the community and is provided by qualified staff.
Are there any social activities I can join?
There are a number of 'Planned Activity Groups' operating throughout the Shire. These groups are a wonderful way to meet new people and enjoy a variety of activities. We run an “Up and Go” group which organise day trips for eligible socially isolated residents. For more information on these groups please contact our Planned Activity Group Coordinator on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
How can I pay my account?
Accounts can be paid at your nearest Customer Service Centre or by posting a cheque to Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, Wonthaggi, 3995.
Can I receive assistance with transport?
We run a limited service for eligible people unable to use existing transport services.
For more information about the current services available please contact our Community Transport Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Does that include transport to medical appointments?
Unfortunately no but the following organisations do offer this transport.
Please call them to make a booking:
- Family Resource Centre ph: 5671 3278,
- Red Cross Transport ph: 0419 107 398
- Bass Coast Community Health Service ph: 5671 9200.