Community Interlink helping people stay in their own homes
Studies show that people are happier and healthier when they are able to remain in their own homes.
They might just need a bit of help to ensure they can.
Community Interlink, which has a presence at Benalla Health, is helping people in the Rose City do just that.
With an increasing number of people choosing to remain at home, utilising Home-Care Package funds, Community Interlink has the expertise to help.
“Community Interlink is a non-profit organisation that prides itself on provision of high-quality service and staff,” Community Interlink director Tricia Van De Paverd said.
“With 18 local health services in the Community Interlink Consortium, input from all around our regions supports our knowledge and ability to reach those in remote locations.
“As a person ages, they find that some tasks become more difficult for them.
“These tasks can range from walking the dog, mowing the lawn, hanging clothes on the line and household cleaning, to preparing meals, getting to appointments or just getting out of bed and around the house.”
The Commonwealth provides funding through four levels of care.
These levels of support range from lower-level needs to more intensive support needs.
“The levels of care are referred to as Home-Care Packages,” Ms Van De Paverd said.
“A Home-Care Package is allocated to an individual and they choose a Home-Care Provider, such as Community Interlink, to help the person to understand what the funds
“As a person ages, they find that some tasks become more difficult for them. These tasks can range from walking the dog, mowing the lawn, hanging clothes on the line and household cleaning, to preparing meals, getting to appointments or just getting out of bed and around the house.”
— Tricia Van De Paverd
can be used for and what services are available in their locality.
“It is the persons choice which services they wish to use.
“The Home-Care Package can be used for in-home supports, such as housework or meal preparation, transport to and from medical appointments, home maintenance and monitoring devices or home modifications to maintain the safety of the individual.”
Community Interlink has experienced case managers and service support coordinators to help the person to understand the aged-care journey and provide guidance and support to them and their families to ensure they are safe and independent at home for as long as possible.
Funding is allocated to the individual based on a comprehensive assessment by a qualified AgedCare Assessment Service assessor.
● A person over the age of 65 who is finding they are no longer able to manage at home without some help can phone My Aged Care on 1800 800 110 to request an assessment.
● First Nations people are able to access assistance from the age of 50.
● Community Interlink’s Intake team are available to answer any questions or provide advice and support if you are wanting to apply for a Home-Care Package, by phoning 1300 203 203.