Aged and Disability Services (Home and Community Care - HACC)

• Who Can Use These Services
• Costs for Services
• Referrals to the Service
• Assessment
• Services Available
• Active Ageing Strategy and Action Plan
• Parking for People with Disabilities
• Other Helpful Websites
• Disability Policy and Action Plan 2009-2013
• Banyule City Council – Disability Reference Group
• Newsletter for Home and Community Care consumers and carers
• Access for All Abilities Newsletter

Council provides services to help and support frail older people, individuals with moderate to severe disabilities and their carers.

These services aim to improve quality of life by helping people maintain their safety and independence at home and in the community. Services provided aim to prevent unnecessary admission into residential care by checking the needs, safety, security and wellbeing of service users on a regular basis.

Who Can Use These Services

Residents who are assessed as being unable to undertake their daily living tasks because they are frail or have a disability.

Carers of these residents may also be supported. Short term assistance for other circumstances may be provided if resources are available.

Costs for Services

Funding for services is provided by Council, Commonwealth and State Governments and service user fees.

Council follows the State Government fees policy in which services are means tested. Service costs are discussed at assessment or review.

Referrals to the Service

People may contact the service themselves or be referred by a family member, their Doctor, Aged Care Assessment Service, Hospital, Health Centre or other Community Agency.  For Referral ring Customer Service on 9490-4222 and ask for Home and Community Care Intake Worker.

Assessment

Following referral, a home visit is made to discuss services and assess needs. Details of this visit are left as part of our information folder. Many factors are discussed to determine eligibility for services. These include physical capabilities, health, social isolation, carer and community supports.

Reviews are undertaken to ensure service provision is satisfactory and to discuss if needs have changed in any way.

Services Available

Home Care
Help with tasks such as vacuuming, cleaning, shopping and banking.

Personal Care
Help with bathing, dressing and toiletting.

Respite Care
Support to enable carers to have a break from their caring role.

Property Maintenance
Help to maintain a safe and secure home environment.

Delivered Meals
Volunteers and staff deliver nutritious and tasty meals to the service user's home at lunchtime. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.

Planned Activity Group (PAG)
Social groups for frail older adults provide an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of others in a supported group situation. Activities are organised to suit the interests and abilities of people attending. These activities also provide respite for carers.

Transport can be provided for HACC Clients and lunch is included.
Dementia specific groups and groups for frail aged and socially isolated residents are available.

For further information on Planned Activity Groups Phone: 9457 9920

Binnak Park Adult Day Care Centre (PAG)
12 Anderson Parade, Bundoora

Nets Stadium - Planned Activity Group (PAG)
2 Somers Avenue, Macleod 3085
 
Bond Street Adult Day Care Centre  (PAG)
16 Bond Street, Ivanhoe

Assisted Transport
A limited service is available to eligible residents who are unable to access other forms of transport because they are frail or have a disability. Transport can be provided to Planned Activity Groups and certain Shopping Centres.

Active Ageing Strategy and Action Plan

Council endorsed the Active Ageing Strategy and Action Plan 2007 - 2010 at the Council meeting on 23 July 2007.    Click on the link below to view the Strategy and Action Plan.

 For further information phone 9490 4222.

Parking for People with Disabilities

Disabled parking permit applications can be downloaded on the following link.

Other Helpful Websites

http://www.cotavic.org.au/seniorsinformation

http://www.alzheimers.org.au/

http://hnp.dhs.vic.gov.au/wps/portal

http://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/

http://www.adec.org.au/advocacy.html

http://www.carersvic.org.au/index.htm

http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/

http://www.openroad.net.au/access/dakit/intellectual/inhandout5.htm

http://www.dassi.com.au

Disability Policy and Action Plan 2009-2013

The Banyule Disability Policy and Action Plan 2009-2013 was adopted by Council on 5th October 2009.   The development of the Policy and Action Plan is an important step towards building a strong and inclusive community that welcomes the contribution and partnership of all its citizens. 

In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 and the Victorian Disability Act 2006, Banyule City Concil has developed the Disability Policy and Action Plan 2009-2013.  This plan consolidates and builds on the achievements of the previous Banyule Community Inclusion and Access Policy 1996.

The Policy and Action Plan have been developed to assist Council in identifying issues that could be seen as creating barriers to the use of Council services and facilities by people with a disability, their families and carers, in our community. 

A wide range of issues and barriers were identified during the consultation phase of the Policy and Action Plan.  Consistent with the Banyule City Council Plan (2009-2013) and its five key objectives, People, Planet, Place, Prosperity, Participation the following are key focus objectives highlighted in detail in the Disability Action Plan:

Built environment (Place): Ensure that people with disabilities can equitably access all Council buildings, premises and facilities.

Natural environment (Planet): Ensure that people with disabilities can equitably access the natural environment including Council parks, gardens and open space areas.

Social environment (People): Ensure that specialist and generic accessible services and information are provided to support people with disabilities to participate in the community through all key stages of their life.

Recreation and culture (People): Ensure people with disabilities can equitably participate in sporting, recreation and cultural activities provided by Council across the municipality.

Information and communication (Participation):  Ensure people with disabilities can equitably access Council information and communication systems.

Economic environment (Prosperity):  Support business and employers in improving access to services, facilities and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Governance (Participation):  Ensure that people with disabilities can equitably access Council governance structures and participate in consultation, decison making, and other processes and activities that are available to the broader community.

For further information contact the Community Planner (Inclusion) on 9490 4222.

Banyule City Council – Disability Reference Group

The Disability Reference Group (DRG) was formed in October 1996 and has the capacity to include up to 14 participants.  One Councillor sits on this board along with three council officers.  Ten community representatives are invited to nominate to also represent people with disabilities.

The DRG discuss local issues and make recommendations to Council for improvements and new initiatives.

Mission Statement

The DRG’s mission is to advise Council on issues of access and inclusion for people with disabilities and through Council to advise and inform the wider community.

DRG Achievements

Pedestrian safety
Access Audits
Walk with Care program
Community Participation Charter
Staff Training – Disability Awareness
Respite Care and in home support issues
Accessible public transport forum
Annual Business Breakfast
Banyule City Council Inclusion and Access Policy
New Works and Services issues

Plus many more………

If you would like further information about the DRG please contact Council's Community Inclusion Planner on 9490 4222.

Newsletter for Home and Community Care consumers and carers

Council produces a quarterly newsletter for consumers and carers using its Home and Community Care services.  The most recent copy is attached.

Access for All Abilities Newsletter

The AAA program publishes a quarterly newsletter containing current information about sport and recreation options for people with disabilities in the Banyule / Nillumbik and Whittlesea areas.

If you would like a copy of this newsletter please click on the link below.