Mature Choices  – assisting adults with disabilities

Mature Choices (MC) offers support and assistance to families providing care for adults with disabilities who are over the age of 30 years. 

The program recognises that the current situation for many individuals or families caring for adults with disabilities at home may not be able to continue into the future and is able to help all involved with planning and preparation for change. 

The program will adapt the type of support and assistance for each family to suit their individual needs. Adults with disabilities, who are aged over 30 years, who do not live with family are also eligible to receive support and assistance from the program.
 

What does the program offer?

• Case Management provides information and support to adults with disabilities and their families to assist in identifying their immediate and future support needs. Also assistance with planning, coordinating and linking individuals and their family members with appropriate general or specialist services within their local community.

• Community Options assists people to access activities of their choice in the community including recreational, leisure, education, skill development and social opportunities. This support and assistance can be offered on an individual or small group basis, such as men's groups, depending on the preference of the participants. The program also offers carer retreats, supported holidays and one-off group recreational activities.

All Mature Choices Program support is provided with the following principles as a guide:

• Engagement and Relationship Building: Building a strong rapport with the person and a focus on working towards realistic goals and outcomes, also building on support networks.
   
• Skill Development/Education: Staff provide developmental support and opportunities tailored to the person's needs. We also assist with sourcing appropriate education opportunities for adults with disabilities.

• Reduce Isolation: Plans are developed to introduce adults with disabilities into supportive, meaningful and sustainable social and educational activities to stay connected.
   
• Resources: Where possible, support arrangements are linked into community services and networks to assist the person to re-engage and develop a sense of community. 
   

Eligibility

• Adults with disabilities aged over 30 years who reside within the North West region of Melbourne.
   
• Mature Choices Program is governed by the Disability Act 2006 and all individuals must be eligible for assistance under this Act. Priority access will be given to persons over the age of 50.
   

Referrals