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01 Dec 2019... The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has been set up to look at the quality of aged care services and whether those services are meeting the needs of the Australian community. This includes: Care for older people living at home, People living with dementia, and people living in residential aged care including younger people with disabilities.

If you need some help at home or are considering moving into an aged care home, you may first need a free assessment by an ACAT. A member of an ACAT will talk to you about your current situation and work out if you are eligible to receive government subsidised aged care services.

The Communication Cards depict a wide range of daily activities and situations and can be used to prompt discussion, assist with directions or clarify a client's needs. The Communication Cards cover themes such as: Food, Drink, Meals, Religion, Spirituality, Medical, Health Specialists, Personal Care, Sleep, TV, Recreation, Feelings, Pain and Mobility Aids

These strength based videos aim to motivate and engage CALD women to discuss, think about, and plan beneficial physical activities in their daily lives as one way to reduce their risk of heart disease.

01 May 2016... The manual wheelchair resource provides clear, concise instructions on using a manual wheelchair safely.

A translated resource with information about prevention and management of dehydration for residents, families and carers. It includes some signs a person may be dehydrated and also ways to prevent and manage dehydration.

This website provides information explaining what My Aged Care is.

01 Feb 2023... This document provides information for consumers about the Victorian Transition Care Program and the Client Agreement. The Client Agreement is a formal agreement between the TCP Service Provider (the authorised Health Service that runs the program) and the person receiving care or their representative. It outlines the terms and conditions of the care provided by the TCP Service Provider.

01 Nov 2019... A short video for aged care consumers, their families and representatives explaining the new Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) that began on 1 July 2019. Watch the video to see what the new Quality Standards mean in practice for you.

This Help Sheet describes where people with Parkinson's disease and their families and carers can go to get help, support and information in Victoria.

Falls amongst older people represent a very large public health problem. This booklet has been designed to help prevent falls amongst hospital patients. It will tell you how, when and why falls occur, and what you, your family members and carers can do to help stop falls from occurring.

01 Jan 2019... This fact sheet provides tips on how to find a provider that suits your needs and how to find out how much the services cost.

27 Feb 2020... This booklet explains how older people can receive support in their homes and daily life through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. If you have been assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for Commonwealth Home Support Programme services, you should read this booklet.

01 Jan 2017... The Aged Care Signage will assist residents in aged care facilities navigate their way around their home or service. Signs such as 'kitchen', 'dining room', 'keep out', 'danger', and 'this way to the garden', will help improve communication with residents/clients and minimise confusion.

05 Mar 2024... This factsheet explains what coercive control is, and how coercive control can affect older people. It includes a list of some of the signs of coercive control against older people, a case study to help know how to recognise these signs, and how to seek help.

A poster which explains what elder abuse is and how to get support.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about physical restraint of patients for their residents, families and carers. It outlines some risks of using physical restraint, when physical restraint might be considered, examples of physical restraint and who authorises it.

15 Jul 2022... Nobody should experience violence or abuse because of their age. Elder abuse is family violence and is unacceptable. This video explains what elder abuse (or violence against older people) looks like and how you can get help if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse. This is an initiative of the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention Network. 

30 Oct 2021... A translated resource providing information about prevention and management of constipation for residents, families and carers. It includes some signs that a person may be constipated and also ways to prevent and manage constipation.

30 May 2024... This fact sheet provides information on germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lighting used in the Victorian Department of Health's clinical trial ELUCIDAR study . It explains what germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lighting is, how it works, and how it is used safely. More information can be found at Health.Vic's page on ELUCIDAR study.  

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about caring for your teeth and mouth for residents, families and carers.

19 May 2016... This translated resource provides information about dementia and changed behaviour for residents, families and carers. It outlines some causes of people wandering and some tips on how to care for someone who wanders.

19 May 2016... This translated resource provides information about dementia and changed behaviour for residents, families and carers. It outlines some causes of noisy behaviour and some tips on how to care for someone with noisy behaviour.

01 Aug 2022... This fact sheet contains information for aged care workers. Trauma and loss can cause ongoing distress and health problems. There are things you can do to help an older person experiencing trauma, loss and grief.

30 Oct 2021... A translated resource with information about the signs, causes and management of depression for residents, families and carers.

30 Oct 2021... A translated resource with information about the prevention and management of delirium for residents, families and carers. It includes some signs that a person may have delirium, what may cause it and ways to manage delirium.

01 Dec 2020... This fact sheet provides useful information about grief and trauma support services for those impacted by COVID-19 in the aged care sector. The services are available for residential aged care residents, home care recipients, their loved ones and aged care staff.

The bed rail resource provides clear instructions on using a bed rail safely.

18 Nov 2018... Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.

As part of HAAG's culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) education, this film is part of a collection that highlights some different circumstances that can lead to housing crisis, and the impact the right solution has on people's lives. The story shown in this video is based on real experiences.

01 Oct 2019... The See Me Know Me translated resources offer guidance to older people when seeking aged care. There are questions to ask aged care providers as well as thought starters for guiding personal reflection and conversation starters for guiding meaningful conversations with loved ones about what's important to them at this time in their lives.

01 Aug 2016... Taking a break from caring, often called respite, or respite care, is important for anyone providing day to day care for someone with dementia. This help Sheet discusses the benefits of taking a break, how to organise it and who can help. The English version is included in the translated resource.

01 May 2017... This video aims to give older people who've been approved for a package, a head start to think about what is possible once they receive a Home Care Package.

30 Dec 2022... A Values and Preferences Form can be used to make a record of your values, preferences and wishes about your future health and personal care (advance care planning). The form includes information on why it is useful, how it relates to advance care planning, and how it differs from an Advance Health Directive.

This brochure explains what elder abuse is and how to get help.

15 Jul 2022... Nobody should experience violence or abuse because of their age. Elder abuse is family violence and is unacceptable. This video explains what elder abuse (or violence against older people) looks like and how you can get help if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse. This is an initiative of the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention Network.

This translated video describes the critical role of carers in Victoria's health system. The video outlines that there are financial and support services available to carers, encourages the understanding of changes involved in caring and how to plan for those changes, and provides practical advice about how to manage appointments and medication as well as challenging behaviours and communication.

30 May 2024... This fact sheet is for residential aged care residents and their families. It has information on the Victorian Department of Health's clinical trial of the effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet light in inactivating bacteria and viruses, and in preventing infection in aged-care residential facilities. The fact sheet has information on what the study is and why it is being conducted, the benefits of participating in the clinical trial, what to expect during the trial, what data is collected, and who you can contact if you have questions. More information can be found at Health.Vic's page on ELUCIDAR study.  

One in three people over 65 will fall each year, but falls do not have to be a normal part of getting older. Moving your body, improving your health, and removing hazards are three steps to staying active and alert and preventing slips, trips, and falls. 

01 Aug 2024... A campaign created by Compass is available in six languages. The abuse of older people (also known as elder abuse) affects many of us. It’s a topic that can be really confronting and make us uncomfortable to think about.  This campaign aims to help older people, together with their families and friends, feel more comfortable sharing concerns about abuse and increase awareness that support is available.   

19 May 2016... This translated resource provides information about dementia and changed behaviour for residents, families and carers. It outlines some causes of such behaviour and some tips on how to care for someone with disinhibited behaviour.

It can be a worry for older people when they see their adult children struggling financially. Before you decide to help you should be aware of the risks involved - especially if your home is all you have.

This fact sheet contains information on the impact of trauma, loss and grief on older people. Including what can cause grief and trauma later in life.

01 Sep 2020... Information brochure about the Older People's Mental Health Service in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

01 Dec 2018... Information for people receiving aged care on how to call an interpreter to provide information during upcoming visits and audits from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Centrelink/Services Australia has multilingual information and support for older Australians getting help in their home or moving to an aged care home. These resources can help to understand aged care costs and manage aged care. Documents are bilingual. The English version is included in each translated resource. Please scroll down to access the English text.

01 Nov 2024... The plain language and Easy Read fact sheets give a summary of each chapter of the Aged Care Bill 2024. It also explains the next steps to make the Bill a law.

The Access & Support Program provides short term, individual support for people who need help to access services so they can stay living at home.

01 Jun 2019... Providers have a responsibility to support consumers in understanding the new Charter that comes into effect on 1 July 2019. From 1 July 2019, providers must give consumers a copy of the new Charter signed by the provider and ensure that the consumer or their authorised person has been given a reasonable opportunity to sign a copy of the Charter. Consumers are not required to sign the Charter and can commence and/or continue to receive care and services, even if they choose not to sign the Charter.

The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia. But as with all aged care services, it's expected you'll contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. You will never be denied the care you need because you can't afford it.

Older people in our community can enjoy a quality, meaningful and enriching life.

HOME at Last is a service provided by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) Inc. HAAG is a community group with a membership base of older people. Many older people are living in insecure housing, worried about where they will live in the future. Secure, affordable housing options are available but you may need assistance to find them.

A home support assessment may be organised if you have aged care needs that, when addressed, will help you to remain living at home and in the community safely. If you think you need a home support assessment, you can contact the My Aged Care Contact Centre (1800 200 422).

If you need some help with basic tasks at home or more intensive aged care services, the My Aged Care Contact Centre (1800 200 422) can help you. Contact center staff will assist you in working out the support you need and whether you require a free assessment to access services.

01 Feb 2024... Visual cards that can be used to instruct the patient on the intake of medications.

31 Dec 2017... This bilingual Help Sheet describes some of the differences between memory loss as a part of normal ageing and as a symptom of dementia. It provides some tips for keeping your memory sharp. The English version is included with the translated resource.

01 Jan 2019... This factsheet explains what is included in a home care agreement, how to budget your expenses, how to ensure that you understand the content of the agreement and also includes a checklist.

It's never too early to talk about getting some extra help. Knowing what services are available before you need them will help you be prepared to make decisions about your future.

Falls are a common problem for older people and are often the reason people are admitted to hospital or move to a nursing home or hostel. This booklet offers advice on how to avoid falls and checklists to make your home and environment as safe as possible.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about ways to sleep better for residents, families and carers.

01 Jan 2019... This booklet explains how older people can access care in an aged care home, the process for moving into an aged care home and what to expect when you are there.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about the signs and management of swallowing problems for residents, families and carers.

31 Dec 2015... This Help Sheet looks at the wandering behaviour of some people with dementia. The reasons for wandering are discussed, as well as some suggestions for ways to manage it.. The English version is included in the translated resource.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about the prevention and management of pressure injuries for residents, families and carers.

This information sheet explains how you can plan ahead in case you lose capacity to make your own decision one day.

12 Apr 2023... On 1 December 2022, the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) was extended from residential aged care to include home care and flexible aged care delivered in a home or community setting. This fact sheet for home services care recipients explains what the SIRS is, what is expected of providers, what a SIRS reportable incident is and how to seek help if needed.

06 Apr 2023... Video with information about advanced care planning in Auslan.

The Consumer Feedback Form can be used by service providers to provide an easy and accessible way for consumers, family members, representatives and others to provide feedback on the service. The form is mostly non-editable however organisations can enter their logo and address in the relevant section. The form is intended to be used as a printed version however if organisations wish to embed it into their feedback systems, the text can be copied and pasted but its content cannot be edited. It is available in 20 languages.

This fact sheet lists the different forms of elder abuse like financial, emotional, physical, social, sexual and neglect. It also explains the barriers victims face to reporting and what to do if you suspect or are experiencing elder abuse.

This brochure explains what you should think about before you enter into a 'granny flat arrangement'.

01 Apr 2023... Ageing is a normal process that changes your abilities throughout life. Ageing changes how you communicate. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s do not happen to everyone who is elderly. Disease processes in the brain cause these conditions.

01 Apr 2023... This Easy Read resource is about Dementia,  which is a disease that causes changes in the brain. It often affects communication and daily life.

There's a difference between forgetting something once and forgetting it many times. There's a difference between forgetfulness and dementia. To find out more call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 .

31 Dec 2015... This bilingual Help Sheet discusses some ways to think about any changes in behaviours that are occurring as a result of dementia. It describes a problem solving approach that may help you manage any behaviours if and when they arise. The English version is included with the translated resource.

01 Sep 2016... This help sheet addresses concerns families and carers may have when someone with dementia lives alone, and some ways to help the person live alone safely. The English version is included in the translation.

31 Dec 2017... This Help Sheet discusses some of the ways that families and carers can make respite care a positive experience for themselves and for the person with dementia. It provides some practical suggestions for planning and using respite. The English version is included in the translated resource.

01 Dec 2015... When people are very sick and frail they can have problems with eating and drinking. This resource provides advice on how to help someone who is very sick and frail with eating and drinking safely.

01 Dec 2019... Often as we age, appetite and food intake become smaller. Many people feel that they don't need to eat as much as they did when they were younger. However, older people need more of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and B vitamins, so it is very important to have a good quality diet.

01 Jul 2021... This document is bilingual. Scroll to the end of each translated resource to read the English version.  Information about the main income support payment for people who have reached the pension age including who can get it, how much you can get, how to claim and how to manage your payment.

01 Feb 2019... This poster lists the desired outcomes for consumers according to the 8 aged care quality and safety standards.

For most people, living as independently as you can in your own home as you age is what you want. But sometimes you might need a bit of help with daily tasks that you can no longer manage as well on your own.

01 Mar 2016... Home-based Strength and Balance Exercise Cards for older people to improve strength and balance at home.

01 Apr 2019... If you get sick or injured and can't make decisions, you can choose someone who can make decisions for you by making an 'enduring power of attorney'. For example, as you get older, you might need help to go to the bank or to get aged care services.

01 Oct 2021... A translated resource with information about prevention and management of skin tears for residents, families and carers.

01 Jun 2015... This translated booklet is for older people who want to follow a healthy approach to ageing in their everyday lives. The stories and information in this booklet show the importance of health and wellbeing as you grow older. For more information, see the list of organisations on the final page.

01 Jan 2019... This brochure provides information about home care packages.

01 Feb 2017... Manual Wheelchairs can be used by people who find it difficult to mobilise at home or in the community. Evidence shows that safety and independence can be improved by using assistive equipment, such as a manual wheelchair.

23 Oct 2023... This workbook can help you learn about advance care planning (ACP). It includes activities to help you gather your thoughts, get started and guide you through the process. Undertaking ACP requires you to think deeply about future situations in which you are unwell and unable to make decisions about your health care. If this is distressing, please seek the support of a family member, friend, or healthcare provider.

30 Dec 2022... This advance care planning (ACP) fact sheet helps you prepare for your future health and personal care. It explains why ACP is important, its process, and how it helps others understand your values, beliefs and preferences when you are no longer able to make or communicate decisions about your health and personal care.

01 Jun 2020... Poster explaining what elder abuse is and where you can get help. It is part of the respect older people campaign.

This brochure explains what you can do if you are an older person who is experiencing violence or abuse from a partner, another family member or other person who lives in your home or residential facility, or a neighbour or carer.

01 Dec 2015... This translated brochure explains what is elder abuse and how to get help when older people experience disrespectful behaviour from people they know and trust. It also includes how it may effect them and outlines the services that Senior Right Victoria provides.

01 Sep 2023... Advance care planning information, including: Advance care planning information for individuals Advance care planning information for substitute decision-makers Advance care planning information for care workers Resources such as fact sheets, audio files, and videos are available. This resource is bilingual , featuring both an English version and a translated version for enhanced accessibility.

This factsheet contains information for aged care workers on what you need to do to help older people with dementia who have experienced trauma. A person with dementia who has experienced trauma may find it hard to express their feelings or explain how trauma is affecting them. There are many things you can do to help manage their distress.

This fact sheet contains information on the impacts of trauma and how to support an older person experiencing trauma, grief and loss.

01 Aug 2022... This fact sheet contains information for aged care workers on how to look after yourself while caring for people affected by trauma. Working with people who have experienced trauma can impact on your health and wellbeing, as well as expose you to trauma at work. Learn how to support your own wellbeing while caring for others.

02 Mar 2022... This document is bilingual. Scroll to the end of each translated resource to read the English version.  Information on how Services Australia's customer service officers and Aged Care specialist officers can help you with aged care matters. It’s free to access these face-to-face services.

10 Jul 2023... Advance Care Planning is the process of planning ahead for your future healthcare. It’s about planning the type of health care you would want to receive if you became seriously ill or injured in the future and were unable to participate in the discussion at that time.

01 May 2016... The bathboard /bath seat resource provides clear instructions on using a bathboard/bath seat safely.

01 Dec 2019... This booklet informs you of your rights as an aged care consumer and how you can exercise them. It also includes some information about your responsibilities as an aged care consumer.

This brochure explains what elder abuse is and how to get help.

This help sheet outlines medical treatments available for Parkinson's disease.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about medicine management for residents, families and carers. It outlines some side effects of medicines and ways to prevent problems caused by taking many medicines.

This information sheet is for consumers of aged care services, their families, carers and representatives about the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It explains how the Commission can help you, who can raise a concern and what happens when you contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

01 Dec 2015... Eating and drinking can become difficult because of strokes, age, breathing problems, dementia or damage to the head and neck. This resource provides tips on how to stay safe when eating and drinking.

01 Mar 2016... A translated resource with information about ways to care for your skin for residents, families and carers.

01 Jan 2019... This booklet explains how older people can receive support in their home and daily life through the Home Care Packages Program. You should read this booklet if you have been assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), or an Aged Care Assessment Service if you are in Victoria, for a home care package. There are four levels of consumer directed coordinated packages of services through the Home Care Packages Program including personal care, support services and nursing, allied health and clinical services.

This booklet helps you to navigate the different phases of ageing. It covers topics from setting up a retirement budget through to considering options for aged care. The booklet can be used as a reference guide when you need to check a topic, or it can be read from cover to cover to get a snapshot of the services and supports on offer.

23 Dec 2016... This resource explains what respite care is, its different types, how to access, and where to get more information.

01 May 2016... The over-toilet aid resource provides clear instructions on using an over-toilet aid safely. An over-toilet aid can be used if you are feeling unsafe, weak or unbalanced when getting on or off a toilet.

The Pensioner Education Supplement helps with the ongoing costs of study in secondary or tertiary courses. This fact sheet list the rules you have to meet in order to be eligible.

This help sheet gives a basic outline of Parkinson's disease, including its causes, symptoms and diagnosis.

01 Feb 2022... This short video encourages older people from culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds to ask for what they need from Aged Care Services. The aim of the film is to raise awareness among consumers from culturally diverse backgrounds about their right to give feedback to an aged care service. It also aims to raise awareness of the importance of culturally appropriate feedback by promoting discussion amongst the aged care sector around some of the barriers facing aged care providers in reaching out and seeking valuable feedback from older people from diverse backgrounds. The questions are set upon three key themes: 1. Making a complaint to an aged care service 2. Giving a compliment to an aged care service 3. Giving feedback to an aged care service 4. The right to give feedback

01 Jun 2016... This translated video is about Elder abuse, any act that harms older people and that is carried out by someone they know and should be able to trust such as family or friends. The video outlines that such harm can be financial, physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, including mistreatment or neglect. ECCV would like to see suspected elder abuse in ethnic communities addressed within the context of cultural behaviours, values and expectations.

06 Apr 2023... Video with information about palliative care in Auslan.

A Home Care Package can ensure you receive the services and support you need. Before you sign a contract with a service provider for the supply of Home Care Services, you must be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Before you sign any contract, you have rights. This 'Aged Care Contract Checklist' can be used to check that you have a clear understanding of the contract before you sign it. 

19 May 2016... This translated resource provides information about dementia and changed behaviour for residents, families and carers. It outlines some causes for such behaviour and some tips on how to care for someone who seems angry.

This fact sheet contains information for aged care workers on what you need to know about trauma and dementia. People living with dementia can have difficulty coping with loss and trauma because it's harder for them to communicate, make sense of painful memories or feel safe.

02 Mar 2023... Making Choices, Finding Solutions is Australia’s leading guide designed to help you maintain your independence as you get older. Using assistive products, as well as making basic changes to your home, can help you control how you live your life and age well. The guide was written by occupational therapists and is packed with suggestions and advice on: Low-cost assistive products. Basic home modification. Tips and tricks for when you are out and about. As you turn each page the links to each product will light up, making it easy to find the products you need.

01 Mar 2017... A translated resource with information about the risks and prevention of unplanned weight loss for residents, families and carers.

Fact sheet with self-care tips for people caring for older people who are experiencing trauma and grief. It can be difficult to see someone you care about struggle with the distress caused by trauma, grief or loss. it's important to look after your own health, make time for yourself, and balance the person's needs with your own.

Fact sheet containing information on trauma and dementia in older people. People living with dementia can have difficulty coping with loss and trauma because it's harder for them to communicate, make sense of painful memories or feel safe. Find out how you can support people living with both dementia and trauma.

01 Aug 2022... This fact sheet for aged care workers looks at how trauma can affect workers. Working with people who have experienced trauma can impact on your health and wellbeing, as well as expose you to trauma at work.

This fact sheet for aged care workers looks at trauma, loss and grief in older people. Many older Australians have experienced trauma, grief and loss in their life. Knowing how trauma affects people will help you to understand their needs and behaviours

01 Jan 2019... Care recipients and representatives are actively encouraged to contribute to decisions made by residential aged care homes and home care services about the care and services they receive. This ensures a strong continuous improvement approach for providers, as well as a focus on the needs and preferences of care recipients. Use our templates of letters and posters for residential aged care homes available in 20 community languages to inform care recipients and representatives about quality assessors from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

07 Apr 2021... This resource informs on how people living with HIV (PLHIV) can live as long as people who do not have HIV. However, people with HIV may develop health problems not related to HIV as well as other age-related conditions at a younger age. It explains how monitoring your mental and physical health and having a healthy lifestyle can help prevent and improve the outcome of these conditions. 

01 Jun 2016... This translated document describes what nocturia is and its causes, which include (but are not limited to) heart problems, kidney problems, and diabetes (type 1 and 2). It also covers issues with lowering intake of liquids, what a person should do and how it can be treated.