Australian Government subsidised support for people 65+ to live independently at home. Access via My Aged Care assessment. Two main levels:
Entry-level support for people who are mostly independent. Small co-payments ($5-50/session). Covers:
For higher needs. Government subsidises $10k–$60k/yr depending on level. Waitlisted 12-24 months for Level 3-4. Income-tested fees may apply. Better to get assessed early and join the queue.
| Service | Relevance | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nursing | High | CKD Stage 3 (eGFR 67↓), unexplained anaemia (HB 106), IHB — needs monitoring between GP visits |
| Transport | High | GP/specialist appointments, pathology. Backup when Sebastian unavailable |
| OT / Falls Prevention | High | 82yo with BP crash tendency (SYS <120) — falls risk. Home safety assessment high leverage |
| Social Support | Medium | Already has CAM + cooking demos. CHSP adds structure and more options |
| Dietetics | Medium | Anaemia investigation — folate unresulted. Jain diet constraints |
| Domestic Help | Low | Only if independence declines. Sebastian managing remotely for now |
| Meals | Low | Strict Jain veg (no allium/root veg) — unlikely standard services can accommodate |
Services Australia runs free community info sessions explaining the aged care system. Here's the full picture:
Phone (1800 200 422) or online (myagedcare.gov.au). ~15-20 mins. Basic details: Medicare, health conditions, GP, current support. Nominate a representative (Sebastian can act for Alin).
ACAs (Aged Care Assessors) call within a few weeks. Structured questionnaire: daily living activities, health, support needs. May be sufficient to assign CHSP services without in-person visit.
Assessor visits home or arranges venue. 1-2 hours, thorough evaluation. Physio/OT assessments may be included. Family/carer can be present.
CHSP allocation (transport, nursing, OT, social support) or HCP referral (Levels 1-4). HCP is waitlisted 12-24 months — join queue early. CHSP services start within weeks.
Monash Council's PALS program runs free aged care info sessions. These are educational only — not the actual assessment. Sebastian can attend on Alin's behalf.
| Date | Event | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 28 Jul | Aged Care Assessment Assessment process, rule changes, practical steps |
Wheelers Hill Library 860 Ferntree Gully Rd |
Today |
| Tue 28 Jul | Age Well Drop-in PALS, dementia support, community transport, CHSP |
Wheelers Hill Library 9:30am–12:30pm, walk-in |
Today |
| Mon 10 Aug | Understanding Age Pension Eligibility, income/asset tests, how to apply |
Wheelers Hill Library 11am–12:30pm |
Free, book |
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📞 Wheelers Hill Library: 03 9265 4877 · Parking: Enter from Ferntree Gully Rd, 100m east of Jells Rd
Subsidised door-to-door transport once assessed. Provided by local organisations (e.g., Link Health & Community, Glen Waverley).
Separate from CHSP — run by Monash Council for residents 65+.
Victorian Seniors Card holders get:
Important caveat: TSS in Victoria is disability-based, not age-based. Requires a permanent disability significantly limiting mobility — assessed by medical practitioner. Age alone does not qualify.
| Option | Eligibility | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seniors Myki | Yes | Free (off-peak) | Independent public transport trips |
| Monash Community Bus | 65+, Monash | ~$5-10 | Shopping, local outings |
| CHSP Transport | After assessment | $5-15/trip | Medical appts, specialist visits |
| TSS (Taxi Discount) | Disability only | $10/yr + 50% fare | Only if mobility disability certified |
| St John Ambulance Transport | Mobility impaired | Co-payment | Non-emergency medical transport |