Older people

There have been some changes recently to the provision of care for older and vulnerable members of our community. See below for information on the change to services.

Commonwealth Home Support Program 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is now delivered by Benetas as of 1 July 2022.

CHSP is a Commonwealth Government Program that helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. This program targets people who are:

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
  • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Eligibility for this program is based on support needs and age.

Benetas is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider with a mission to provide older Victorians, their families, and carers with a full range of quality community-based services such as home care, and in-home nursing; respite services; residential care and retirement living communities across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

They are committed to giving back and contribute a social dividend which sees any profit reinvested into growing and expanding services and initiatives. This includes a dedicated research and advocacy agenda, representing all Victorians, in establishing a better aged system for now and well into the future.

Contact

Benetas Daylesford Ph: 03) 5428 0650

If this office is unattended, it will always be diverted to someone who will answer.

Benetas Homecare Ph: 03) 8371 2130

https://www.benetas.com.au

For information on Council's decision to withdraw from CHSP visit our Participate Hepburn website.

Council’s ongoing role for supporting older people

Council will continue to play an important role to support positive ageing for our community, by developing the ‘No Barrier’ Positive Ageing Strategy 2022-2032, and by supporting older adults through actions in our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and by supporting a range of programs and initiatives.

Council will also provide individual client advice and support and will assist in connecting our most vulnerable people to the service system.

Older people in our Shire

Hepburn Shire is following the global trend of a rapidly ageing population. Forty three percent (43%) of the population is over the age of 55, well above the state average of twenty seven percent (27%).

Council is working towards a more age-friendly Shire and after extensive community consultation, is finalising our first Positive Ageing Strategy, No Barrier.

The draft strategy has eight focus areas for ageing well in the Shire. These are:

  1. Housing – Safe and secure at home and financially
  2. Social participation – Connected to family, friends and society
  3. Respect and social inclusion – Respected and respectful
  4. Civic participation and employment – Life has purpose and meaning
  5. Communication and information – In touch with a changing world
  6. Community support and health services – Able to manage health issues, including mental health
  7. Outdoor spaces and buildings – Active and a positive attitude
  8. Transportation – Able to get around.

These focus areas directly correlate with the World Health Organization’s age-friendly topic areas and the Commissioner for Senior Victorians’ eight attributes of ageing well.

The draft strategy has been open for community consultation. Once the strategy is adopted, we will develop action plans designed to address the local barriers to ageing well in our Shire. We will have more information on this work throughout the year. Read the draft strategy.

Support groups for older people

Cameron Ward
Creswick Ward
Birch Ward
Coliban Ward
Related links

 

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