Community Care: An Introduction
When many people think of 'aged care' they think of nursing homes and having to move. However, there are many options available, which provide the care and support you need, delivered to you in your own home.
Community Care packages offer help and assistance to make living at home easier, safer and more enjoyable. Our Community Care packages are tailored to your needs and delivered under the guidance of a fully trained and highly skilled Care Manager.
Since pioneering Community Care in the early 1990's, we have enabled thousands of Victorians to stay where they want to be for longer. But we offer much more than just helping people to stay in their own home. Many people have concerns about being lonely or isolated, therefore, we make every effort to provide our clients with additional opportunity for social interaction and companionship with outings to attractions and events in and around your local community.
What Kind of Help will be Available?
Our Community Care program, operated from our Outreach offices, includes three different packages.
Community Aged Care Package (CACP) - providing a wide choice of services for those that are still active but needing support to remain independent. Services may include:
- Case Management
- Supervision and assistance with showering, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing, undressing, mobility and monitoring of medications
- Assistance with the provision of meals
- Home care for domestic tasks such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and gardening
- Assistance with transportation to appointments and social activities
- 24-hour on call service
Extended Aged Care at Home Package (EACH) - is for those needing a higher level of care. Services include those available through a CACP, but also provide for higher medical and nursing needs, such as the following:
- Technical nursing care
- Allied health care
- Continence management
- Assistance with oxygen and/or enteral feeding
Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia Packages
 (EACH Dementia) - for those experiencing difficulties due to the cognitive impairment associated with dementia. Services include those available through EACH as well as other services and strategies to meet the specific needs of those living with dementia.
How much will I have to pay?
Government funding covers most of the cost of Community Care packages, although there may be some small, affordable fees applicable, depending on your income and assets. The most important thing to remember is that you will receive the care and support you need regardless of your financial circumstances.
How do I get Started on One of the Community Care Package?
As the government meets most of the cost of Community Care packages, you will first need to be assessed by Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS), based at major metropolitan and rural hospitals. This service is free of charge and more information is available from your doctor or the agencies listed below.
Once the assessment confirms your eligibility for Community Care, your details will be made available to providers in your area. If you have a preferred provider, you should nominate them at the time of your ACAS assessment. If you would prefer a Royal Freemasons' package then, in addition to nominating us at the time of your assessment, you should also contact us directly to ensure your preference is met (Admissions call 1300 1 ROYAL or (03) 9452 2200).
A Care Manager will then visit you in your own home to discuss the care and support you need. After further consultation with medical and allied health professionals, your Care Manager will develop a coordinated care plan based on your individual needs and preferences. They will be responsible for ongoing management, inclusive of adjusting the plan as your needs change. At Royal Freemasons, our own specially trained and experienced staff will deliver your care plan in your own home.
