Older Adults

The safety of our community and staff remains our top priority in this evolving situation.

In keeping with this and in line with recent State and Federal Government announcements, we are committed to continuing to provide home support services with a level that remains safe for Darebin Council clients and staff.

The following outlines how our services will be delivered to our Aged and Disability community clients:

• Our home support services remain in place to support our Aged and Disability clients.
• We are looking at alternative shopping service options.
• Meals on wheels are now being delivered in plastic bags to the front door to for clients to collect while staff maintain a social distance.
• Generally, for all services, staff will maintain social distance (a minimum of 1.5 metres) whenever practicable.
• Staff may ask if they can use a client’s bathroom so they can wash their hands before and after service/s.
• Where practical staff may ask that rubbish bins be placed in a location so that they can effectively dispose of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they used during the service.
• Staff are using standard Universal Precautions and PPE in line with guidelines:
  1. During personal care staff will wear disposable gloves. Where required staff will also utilise the use of disposable gowns and shoe covers.
  2. Generally disposable gloves will also be used for most other services.
• As per current guidelines, masks will not be used for low risk individuals (those who have not travelled oversees and who do not show any flu-like symptoms).
• Prior to entering a home, staff will first check that the client is feeling ok and does not show any flu like symptoms. Staff will also ask if the client has recently travelled internationally.
• Staff may also request that clients wash hands prior to signing the device. This is to protect staff and all Aged and Disability clients.

If staff are unwell or have recently travelled internationally, they will not be able to work until full medical clearance is received. If clients are showing any flu-like symptoms or have travelled internationally or been in contact with someone who has, services will be placed on hold. We will consider individual needs and develop a plan together with the client.

We ask that clients call us if they are unwell or have recently travelled or been in contact with someone who has.

We will continue to provide information of any changes to our services.

Please contact the Aged and Disability Department if you would like to clarify any of the information above on 8470 8828.

We thank you for your ongoing understanding and support for these measures as we work together across the community to promote good health, patience and compassion, and lessen the impact of coronavirus.

Please continue to take care of yourself and those around you.

Age Friendly cities and communities support older adults by designing policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environments that help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. And we are excited to announce that the Age Friendly Darebin final report and majority of its recommendations were endorsed by Council in July 2019.

This review will see many new initiatives implemented, new and improved services, increased advocacy, and Age Friendly principles embedded in Council’s plans and strategies.

New information service for seniors

Darebin Council has funded the new service "Positive Ageing - Darebin Information and Support Service". The service was launched in October and includes personal assistance for people to navigate the aged care system. It informs and support Darebin's older residents and their families to find services that are right for them. Call Council on 8470 8543, weekdays from 9am - 3pm or email positiveageing@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Visit the Your Say Darebin webpage for more information on new services and initiatives and to read the full Age Friendly Darebin report. To stay up-to-date with Darebin becoming an Age Friendly City, subscribe to Darebin’s Older and Active in Darebin newsletter for the latest news and events.

Get involved!

Would you like to be part of Age Friendly Darebin? Fill in the short questionnaire and find out how to get involved.

The new Charter of Rights includes a list of rights that all consumers of any government subsidised aged care service can expect.
Darebin Council provides aged care services that are subsidised by the Australian Government. These services have to meet the relevant quality standards. 

Trouble understanding the Charter of Aged Care Rights?

If you would like to talk to someone about the Charter of Aged Care Rights or need support in another language, please call 8470 8828 or send an email.

More Information:

If you want to find out more about your rights and the Aged Care Quality Standards visit the Charter of Aged Care Website.

Read the Charter of Aged Care Rights in your language:

Italian
Macedonian
Greek
Chinese
Arabic
Vietnamese
Spanish

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The Royal Commission looks into the quality of aged care services including:

• Care for older people living at home;
• People living with dementia; and 
• People living in residential aged care including younger people with disabilities. 

The Commission will examine the care provided in cities, as well as in regional and remote areas. It will look at how aged care services can be improved in the future.The Commission wants to hear about your experiences, both good and bad. It also wants your suggestions for ways to improve the aged care system. You can tell your story to the Commission by:

• Calling: 1800 960 711 (between 8:00am-8:00pm AEDT Monday-Friday except on public holidays). Interpreter services are available.
• Writing to: GPO Box 1151, Adelaide SA 5001 (we will translate your letter)
• Filling in the online form
• Emailing: ACRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au

If you have a problem with an aged care service that requires immediate action

The Royal Commission cannot resolve individual disputes or complaints. It cannot order a care provider or person to take particular action or pay compensation. However, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission may be able to assist in this situation as it is the complaints agency for aged care services that are subsidised by the Australian Government. 

If you want to make a complaint about the quality of aged care services being delivered to a person right now, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822. Interpreter services are available.

My Aged Care is your starting point to access Australian Government-funded aged care services. The phone line and website can help older Australians, their families and carers to get the help and support they need.

You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 or visit the website.

For more information about aged care in Australia, download the My Aged Care brochure, or read the brochure in your language:

My Aged Care brochure - Italian

My Aged Care brochure - Macedonian

My Aged Care brochure - Chinese

My Aged Care brochure - Greek

My Aged Care brochure - Vietnamese

Do you find the Aged Care System confusing? Council has a new service to help you:

Positive Ageing – Darebin Information and Support Service

Experienced and friendly Council staff can explain how the aged care system works and what is available for you. This service is free of charge.

Call Council on 8470 8543, weekdays from 9am-3pm or email positiveageing@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Darebin's home support services are funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).The CHSP is for people over the age of 65 who need a little bit of extra help at home or in the community. This might include support with personal care, cleaning, meals, transport and more. It is the first level of support in the aged care system.

For more information about the Commonwealth Home Support Program please download the brochure in your language:

• Supporting you to live at home (English)
• Supporting you to live at home (Italian)
• Supporting you to live at home (Macedonian)
• Supporting you to live at home (Chinese)
• Supporting you to live at home (Vietnamese)
• Supporting you to live at home (Greek)
• Supporting you to live at home (Arabic)

To access Darebin Council’s Home Support Services, you will need to register with My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 or visit the website. 

Do you find the Aged Care System confusing? Council has a new service to help you:

Positive Ageing – Darebin Information and Support Service

Experienced and friendly Council staff can explain how the aged care system works and what is available for you. This service is free of charge.

Call Council on 8470 8543, weekdays from 9am-3pm or email positiveageing@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Darebin Council’s Home Support Services:

Once you have registered with My Aged Care and selected Darebin Council as your preferred service provider, we will offer you a care plan that we will make with you to meet your needs.

Darebin Council provides you with high quality services delivered by friendly staff:

Personal Care
Help with a range of tasks as part of your daily routine.

Domestic Assistance
Help with tasks around your home and in your community.

Home Delivered Meals
Healthy and culturally appropriate meals brought to you at home.

Home Maintenance
Help with minor household repairs, safety and security maintenance.

Community Transport 
Help with transport for shopping, and getting to social groups or other activities. Our friendly drivers provide door-to-door services within Darebin for $4.80 return. 

More information
Call 8470 8828 and talk to us about your needs. You can call us yourself, or if you give consent to a family member, friend, doctor, or health service who can call us for you.

Information in Greek

Information in Italian

Our dementia services run from Tuesday to Friday at Yanada House.

• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea 
• Safe and secure, door to door transport 
• English, Italian and Greek programs, as well as a mixed cultural group
• A range of activities and community outings
• A care plan that is made for each person to meet their needs and interests
• Services run by experienced staff

Our services are for people with memory loss. However, priority will be given to people living with dementia.

For more information about services at Yanada House, including service fees, call us on 9481 9570.

• Gentle activity groups
• Art and craft activities
• Social groups and outings
• Meals
• Dancing
• Games including bowls, bocce, trugo, cards and billiards
• Community bus

To help older people stay active in a way that interests them, Council has put together the Older and Active in Darebin 2017 – 2019. In this directory, you will find over 200 services, groups and programs that welcome older people. 

In the bimonthly Older and Active Newsletter you can find out about upcoming events that are suitable for older people. 

You can pick up a hard copy of the newsletter and the directory at a Darebin Customer Service Centre. For a word version or alternative format call Customer Service on 8470 8888.

To learn more about the directory, or to talk to us about ways that older people can get out and about in Darebin, call us on 8470 8312, or 8470 8063.

Darebin Bus
The Darebin Bus is a nine seat mini bus that local incorporated not-for-profit community groups can hire. To find out about hiring the bus, call us on 8470 8634.

Darebin Seniors Month
Victorian Seniors Festival and Seniors Month is celebrated every year in October. Check out the 2019 Darebin Springtime Community Events booklet. The booklet for the 2020 Seniors Festival will come out in September. It will feature free and low-cost events and activities, designed for older adults, their friends and families to enjoy. 

Council support:

Some carers live with the person they support. Other carers might drop by a few times a week to help out. Either way, we know that sometimes carers need some help, or a break from their caring role. 

Support For Carers Program
This program is funded by the Victorian Department Of Health and Human Services. At Darebin this program is focussed on support for those who care for older people, and especially (but not only) those who have memory loss or confusion. Staff can provide information, practical and general support and assistance. This can include anything from attending a carer support group, to targeted advice and assistance for carers to understand and navigate the service system. It can also help with the challenges of looking after someone who is frail or confused. There is support for you if you need short term respite or access to carer-related material aid.

Carer Support Group
This is a support group that focuses on social connection. A chance to have a chat with other carers, relevant information and occasional outings are all part of these monthly group meetings.Yanada House runs a carer support group for anyone in a caring role. This is a safe place for carers to talk with and support other carers. We also have guest speakers come to talk about things that are important to carers. For more information about services at Yanada House, including service fees, call us on 9481 9570.

Respite options
Under the Commonwealth My Aged Care system, Darebin Council provides:

Social Support Groups
These programs operate from our Northcote facility, Yanada House and offer activity programs for people needing care so that their carers can have a break. See brochure.

Flexible Respite
In-home respite: provides support for carers of clients needing assisted support in the home (e.g. older people with dementia)
Community access individual: Individual specified activities outside the home providing opportunities to socialise, recreate, participate in community life, whilst also providing respite for the carer. 

Further information:

Please call Darebin City Council’s  Aged and Disability Department on 8470 8828, if you would like to learn more about these.

Other support:

Victorian Government Carer Card
The Victorian Government has worked with businesses, the local government and community organisations to provide carers with the Victorian Government Carer Card.  You, or someone you know, may be eligible.
Benefits of the card include free public transport on Sundays along with two return off-peak rail vouchers for travel anywhere within Victoria. Carers will also be able to enjoy discounted entries to Government venues such as zoos, museums and various tourist attractions.
For further information or to apply visit the Victorian Government Carer Card Program website or call the Carer Card Information Line on 1800 901 958.

Counselling and Support through My Aged Care
Counselling and support services may help you to understand and manage situations, behaviours and relationships that can be a part of being a carer. This help could, in turn, reduce the stress you may be feeling in your caring role, and perhaps help you to continue in this role for longer. 
Further information: visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422. 

What if I feel like I’m not coping?
If you need to talk to someone immediately, contact Lifeline (24 hours a day) on 13 11 14.

Information in Greek

Information in Italian

What is the Windows and Gutter Program?
The program is a way for Council to help people living in Darebin pay the cost of window cleaning and gutter clearing. 

How does it work?
At Council, we do not do this work ourselves. You will need to:
1. Choose a business that you would like to do the work for you. 
This can only be: gutter clearing and/or window cleaning.
2. Pay the business the full amount for the work. 
3. Keep a tax invoice/receipt to show that you paid the full amount. 
4. Fill out the form below and send it to: Darebin Council, Aged and Disability Department. 
We will pay you back half of the cost of the work, up to a total of $120.00, once per year. 

Who is it for?
This program is for residents of Darebin who:
- Are aged over 65 years (or over 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
- Get support from, or are eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
- Do not get other Government funded supports for living at home. 

How can I get a claim-form?
You can download your claim-form or request your printed version on 8470 8828.

What work will it cover?
Council will only pay part of the cost for:
- Gutter clearing, and/or 
- Window cleaning

How often can you get a claim-form?
A household can only make one claim per year, and cannot split the $120.00 value over more than one claim. This means you will need to choose either gutter clearing or window cleaning, or both at the same time (up to $120.00). 

Can your claim be turned down?
Council can turn down your claim if:
- You have made a claim in the past twelve months, or
- Your tax invoice/receipt or your form are incomplete, incorrect or not eligible.   
If this happens we will call you to try and sort it out. If we cannot sort it out and your claim is turned down, we will send you a letter to let you know why.

Who can you get to do this work?
It is your choice. We cannot recommend or endorse any businesses. Whichever business you choose, you will need to make sure that they can give you a Tax Invoice/Receipt. 
The Tax Invoice/Receipt must clearly show:
- Name of business
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Business contact details and address
- Itemised work completed
- Address where the work was done, and resident name
- Date the work was done
- Acknowledgement that the cost of the work has been paid in full

What if you are not happy with the work?
You are responsible for choosing the business you would like to do the work for you. 
Council is not responsible for this, and we are not able to get involved in:
- Who you choose,
- How and when the work is done,
- Whether the work meets your needs.

What happens after you send us your form? 
If everything is ok with your form, we will pay you back half of the cost of the work, up to a total of $120.00, once per year. 
We will do this via the option you choose on your form (cheque or credit against an existing debt). This will take up to one month. 

What to do if you have questions?
Call the Darebin Council Aged and Disability Department on 8470 8828. We will do our best to answer your question.