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Services and Information FAQs

Frequently asked questions about services that are available to senior Victorians, and where to find information about these services

Frequently asked questions about services that are available to senior Victorians, and where to find information about these services.

Aged care

  • You can find your local Aged Care Assessment Service (link opens a new window)External Link on the Department of Health and Ageing website (link opens a new window).

  • No. ACAS assessments are free of charge.

  • Contact your local government's aged services team. They will be able to advise you of local government services available that may be able to assist. If the issues are more complex the council staff can refer you to the Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS).

    The Aged Care Assessment Service makes assessments in a person's home to make sure they gain access to the care services appropriate to their needs. They are able to refer to a wide range of service providers, including Commonwealth Aged Care Packages (CACPs), Home and Community Care (HACC) Services and residential aged care options.

  • ACAS will accept referrals from any source. So you can refer yourself, be referred through a GP or any other service provider (such as a local government assessment officer).

Carer assistance

  • Each region in Victoria has a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre who can assist you to arrange respite care on a short, emergency or longer term basis. A Carer Support Worker can help you decide what will work and put the services in place.

    Contact your closest centre by ringing the National Aged Care Information Line on 1800 200 422.

    You can find out more about respite care on the MyAgedCare websiteExternal Link .

  • There are two forms of regular payment available to eligible carers through Centrelink and the Department of Human Services.

    Carer Allowance - a supplementary payment for people who care for an adult with a disability, severe medical condition or who is frail aged at home.

    Carer Payment - a means tested income support payment for people who cannot support themselves through participation in the workforce while caring for someone with a disability, severe medical condition or who is frail aged.

    For more information visit Department of Human Services (link opens a new window)External Link or phone the Centrelink number for Disability, Sickness and Carers on 13 2717. There may be other financial assistance available for specific purposes.

    Carers Victoria operates a Care Line 1800 242 636, 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (local call cost). The Care Line worker on duty can give you more information about both payments and other financial assistance.

  • A number of organisations can offer practical help to carers such as personal care, home help or food services.

    The Department of Social Services has information for carers on MyAgedCare (link opens a new window)External Link or call them on 1800 200 422.

    You can ring Care Line 1800 242 636, or visit Carers Australia (link opens a new window)External Link to get details of the services available to you.

Concessions and entitlements

Financial information

Health

Home and Community Care

  • To find out about home and community care services available in your area contact your local council.

    To look up your local council's contact details see Find Your Council (link opens a new window)External Link .

  • The Home Renovation Service conducts free home inspections and provides condition reports that include an estimate of the cost of works. The service also provides home renovation loans.

    The service is funded by the Department of Human Services and available to people over 60 years of age or people who have a disability or a household caring for someone with a disability. For a free Home Safety Inspection call 1300 136 513.

    The Home and Community Care Program (link opens a new window)External Link provides assistance with home maintenance tasks necessary to maintain the security and safety of a client's home, such as the installation of ramps and rails.

    Although a fee is charged, people who are unable to pay will not be denied a service. The service is eligible to people who are frail aged, people who have a disability or a household caring for someone who is frail or has a disability. Contact your local council (link opens a new window)External Link to access the service.

Dementia

  • There are services to help you and your relative with dementia, including respite and other support. You can get more information from Alzheimer’s Australia Vic (AAV) on (03) 9815 7800 and Carers Victoria on 1800 242 636.

    See the AAV website (link opens a new window)External Link

Local government

  • Find your local council (link opens a new window)External Link to access contact information or find your council's website.

    Local governments provide a range of community services that may be of use to you including the Home and Community Care services, pet registration, waste removal, and rate payments.

Personal alarms

  • Personal Alert Victoria (PAV)External Link is a personal monitoring service that responds to calls for assistance and is funded by the Victorian Government.

    PAV enhances the confidence of frail, older people and people with disabilities, who are isolated and vulnerable, to live independently in their own home by providing contact 24 hours a day.

    To be eligible for PAV you must be assessed by one of the designated PAV assessment agencies. For more information about assessment for the service please contact one of the following agencies:

Seniors Citizens Clubs

  • Senior citizens clubs operate throughout Victoria offering opportunities for social engagement, sharing of hobbies and travel with members of your community.

    Contact your local council (link opens a new window)External Link to find where the nearest Senior Citizens Club is to you.

Transport

Reviewed 13 December 2022