Carer Services
- What is it? |
- Who is it for? |
- What does it provide? |
- Carers Connecting |
- How do I get access? |
- Useful Links |
What is Carer Services?
Villa Maria Eastern Community Services offers information and support to carers living in the munipalities of Boroondara, Monash, Manningham, Knox ,Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. We also assist carers for a mental health person residing in the City of Yarra.
Villa Maria Northern Victoria Community Services offers information and support to carers living in the Hume region of Victoria covering the municipalities of Alpine, Benalla, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Who is Carer Services for?
A carer is anyone looking after a parent, child, family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, is frail, aged or has dementia.
Carers are people who give their time and energy to those for whom they care. They can be on call 24 hours a day and at times need a break from the caring role. Some carers have support but many feel very much alone.
What does Carer Services provide?
Carer support workers provide in formation and advice to carers regarding the services available and respite options in the community. We can also assist with funding for short term respite. We can assist with in home, out of home and residential respite. Together with the carer we develop a Carer Support Plan, to enable the carer to access respite and support services, in order to continue in their caring role.
We can also provide information and advise on local Carer Support Groups, and other carer related activities throughout the year.
Carers Connecting
Carers Connecting is a program provided by Community Services that provides carers with information regarding supports in the community and an opportunity to socialise with others in similar circumstances.
Regular programs offered explore common themes or concerns such as:
- Understanding and navigating the complex service system;
- Caring for yourself;
- Dealing with professionals;
- Family issues;
- Financial issues; and
- Other topics that are relevant to carers.
How do I get access to Carer Services?
Phone the response worker on 1300 650 615 if you live in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne or the Hume Region.
You can also call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222* for information or the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre in your region on 1800 059 059*.
* Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.
Useful Links
Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) are independent teams who assist frail older people and their carers identify what kind of care will best meet their needs.
DPS Guide offers information regarding residential & community aged care, retirement living and a variety of aged care services & products.
Department of Health and Ageing
Department of Human Services (Victoria)
The Infoxchange Vacancy Seeker is an online tool that helps persons who are looking for respite or other accommodation to find what is currently available, and also enables persons who are responsible for the administration of beds to list their vacancies.