Orbost Regional Health (ORH) supports older people in the community in many different ways, from helping people remain independent and well at home through to nursing, allied health, respite and permanent residential aged care.
For some people, support might mean help with meals, transport, personal care, home maintenance or gardening.
For others, it may include District Nursing, allied health services, equipment and aids, or more regular support to continue living safely at home.
When living independently is no longer possible, ORH also provides residential respite and permanent residential aged care at Snowy River Views.
The important thing to know is that accessing aged care support does not necessarily mean moving into residential care.
There are many levels of assistance available, and support can change over time as a person’s circumstances and needs change.
For many older people, the goal is to remain living independently at home for as long as possible.
ORH provides a range of aged care and community-based services to support people at different stages and with different levels of need.
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, support can include:
– Support at Home services
– Commonwealth Home Support Program services
– District Nursing
– Personal care and assistance with everyday activities
– Allied Health services
– Volunteer transport
– Meals and support with meal preparation
– Home maintenance and gardening support
– Equipment and aids to support independence
– Residential respite care
– Permanent residential aged care at Snowy River Views
Allied health services can also play an important role in helping older people maintain their mobility, independence and wellbeing, while nursing and home-based support can help people manage their health and everyday needs without having to leave their community.
Snowy River Views, ORH’s new 38-bed residential care facility, is now open and provides a modern, purpose-built home for people who require permanent or respite residential care.
The facility replaces Lochiel House and Waratah Lodge and has been designed to provide residents with contemporary, comfortable care close to family, friends and the community they know.
So where do you start?
For most government-funded aged care services, the first step is to contact My Aged Care.
My Aged Care will talk with you about your circumstances, what you may need help with and whether an assessment should be arranged.
You can contact My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au
A My Aged Care assessment helps determine what type and level of support may be suitable.
This could range from a small amount of help at home through to more regular support, respite or permanent residential aged care.
Because assessment and approval can take time, families are encouraged to start the conversation early rather than waiting until care or support becomes urgent.
Not sure where to begin?
Aged care can be complex to navigate, particularly if you are looking into services for the first time.
If you or someone in your family is beginning to need some extra support, ORH can help explain the services available locally and point you in the right direction.
You can contact ORH Intake Services on (03) 5154 6623, speak with your GP, or contact My Aged Care directly.
