Healthy Ageing
We are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of our older community members by fostering an accessible, welcoming and inclusive community, where older people can stay active and participate in all aspects of community life. To assist this commitment, we provide the following information and resources.
For further information about healthy ageing in Bass Coast please contact our Access and Healthy Ageing Officer via the 'Connect with us' details at the bottom of the page.
Aged and Disability and Assessment Services
Aged and Disability Services, including the Carer Support Program, Planned Activity Groups (PAG) and Assessment Services in Bass Coast Shire, are provided by Mecwacare.
Accessing Services
Government subsidised services may be available for older residents, people with a disability, or their carers. The first step in the process is to request an assessment.
Assessments are free of charge and help determine a person’s individual care and support needs and their eligibility to support services.
Residents aged 65 and over can request assessment services via Government’s ‘My Aged Care’ website or by calling 1800 200 422.
Residents under the age of 65 can request assessment services by contacting Mecwacare's Intake Team on 03 8573 4888.
Further information on assessment services in Victoria can be accessed through the State Government's website.
Veterans of the Australian Defence Forces; Australian Mariners; or Defence war widows who have:
• A Repatriation Health Card – for all conditions (Gold Card); or
• A Repatriation Health Card – for specific conditions (White Card)
may be eligible for an assessment through the The Veteran Home Care (VHC) assessment agency, Benetas. An assessment or review of VHC services can be requested on 1300 550 450. If eligible, Benetas will link you with a service provider in your area.
Commonwealth Government Aged Care
For further information about what services the Commonwealth Government provide, go to their aged care page.
Access to client information
Prior to 1 January 2020, we provided Aged and Disability and Assessment Services for the Bass Coast Shire. A copy of all client records, preceding this date are retained by us and will be disposed of in accordance with our Disposal Management Plan. Former clients of our aged and disability services can request access to their file by contacting the Freedom of Information Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.
Transport and Carer Support Services
Transport
Medical transport can be organised by calling
- Bass Coast Health - Family Resource Centre. For more information please call (03) 5671 3372.
- Bass Coast Health. For more information please call (03) 5671 3333
- Patient Transport (VIC) | Australian Red Cross. For more information please call (03) 8327 7868
Carer Support
Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) is one of the largest providers of aged, disability and carer services in Gippsland. They offer a range of activities or events for carers to access.
Carer Gateway provides free support services to any person who provides unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour with a mental illness, disability, chronic health issue or age-related condition. The local community health provider of this service in Gippsland is Uniting Vic Tas. For more information, please call 1800 242 696.
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for carers and caring families, representing and providing a range of services and supports to carers in Victoria. For more information, please call 1800 514 845 or visit the Carers Vic Australia website.
Are you the carer of a person with a disability or mental illness or an elderly person in Rhyll or Wonthaggi? Come and connect with other carers and spend time outdoors for a gentle walk in nature.
Advocacy Services for Older People
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) Tel: 1800 700 600 (6am-10pm, 7 days per week)
Free aged care advocacy services, information about aged care service provision, referrals and the rights and responsibilities of consumers, free information and education sessions to consumers and providers of Commonwealth funded aged care services.
National Seniors advocacy for older Australians. Tel: 1300 76 50 50
Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) and National Seniors Australia Partnership Tel: 1800 818 338
A dedicated free helpline aimed at supporting the mental health of those affected by the spread of COVID-19 is available for older Australians. The phone line is staffed by people who can offer practical help and advice.
Seniors Rights Victoria Tel: 1300 368 821
Information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people.
Are you looking for something to do? Somewhere to go?
Moving for Life
Australian Multicultural Community Services Inc (AMCS) facebook page is designed to promote active, healthy ageing. Check it out.
'How to....' and other resources
Do you want to set up an email account for yourself? Have you heard people talk about 'zooming' with friends and family and wondered 'what is this'? Check out these flyers and you will find yourself emailing and zooming before you know it.