Commonwealth Home Support Programme

To access Commonwealth Home Support services, you need to:

• be approved for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme through My Aged Care. 
• be at least 65 years of age, or 50 years if you are Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander. 

Step 1: Make an initial enquiry through My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422.

Step 2: You will be referred to Hume Regional Assessment Service (Melbourne Health) and a representative will come to your home and find out more about you, your goals and what you might need to help you reach these goals.

Step 3: Once the supports you need are identified, you get to choose service providers. One of these service providers might be Hume City Council. If you do choose Council’s services, My Aged Care will let Hume City Council know.

You will be required to contribute towards the cost of government subsidised services. We will talk to you about any costs before we start providing services.

Hume City Council provides affordable, nutritious, and tasty meals to eligible residents living in Hume, to assist them to continue living independently in their own home.

Our Delivered Meals service provides a variety nutritious frozen meal options and deserts, including diabetic friendly and vegetarian.

All meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients and the most up to date food safety processes.

Meal deliveries can be organised Monday to Friday to suit your needs and lifestyle, delivered to your door by our friendly staff and volunteers.
Meals can be ordered in advance, kept in the freezer, and consumed as desired.
 
To find out if you are eligible for our meals service, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or via the My Aged Care website.

If you need help accessing My Aged Care or have questions about our services, please contact our Food Services Supervisor on 9205 2810. 

The Community Café Program offers healthy and nutritious three-course meals in a friendly and inviting setting.

Community Café is a great way to meet new people or catch up with other locals in the community. The service is also available to those not deemed eligible for My Aged Care services.

• Meals can also cater to various dietary requirements (e.g. Halal, vegetarian, diabetic etc.)
• Lunch operates from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

There is no assessment required for this service; however, it can form part of service you receive through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Pension card holders are also encouraged to attend. 

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday  
Lynda Blundell Seniors Centre
185 Blair Street, Dallas 

Tuesday
Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre
8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury

Bus transport is available to and from the Community Café Program. For bookings and transport please contact our Food Services team on 9205 2200 (select option 2).

In-home preparation of meals is usually provided for those who have higher care needs.

Before you can access these services, you must be deemed eligible by My Aged Care (with the exception of the Community Café Program).

Clients contribute towards the cost of government-subsidised services. We will talk to you about any costs before we start providing services.

For general enquiries about these services, please call 9205 2200 (select option two).

Personal Care

We can provide personal care assistance to eligible clients where needed.

You can feel confident that trained, skilled workers will assist with your needs. All personal care tasks are handled with sensitivity, so you can feel comfortable and respected.

Personal Care Services can include:

• toileting and showering
• grooming and dressing
• emptying commodes
• assistance with feeding, eating and drinking
• meal preparation.

Where nursing duties are required, please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. 

We can provide domestic assistance to help you remain independent at home.

Trained, skilled workers will negotiate tasks to be completed with you during the allocated time. 

Domestic Assistance services can include:

• general house maintenance (supporting you to maintain your home)
• unaccompanied shopping (delivered to home)
• support with laundry tasks. 

Hume City Council offers respite services that give carers the opportunity to have a well-earned break from their caring role. Respire services can be provided either in-home or in a community-based setting.

Community respite

Community respite provides an opportunity for the care recipient to spend time in a community facility while giving their carer a break from their caring role. 

Activities focus on the interests of the client.

In-home respite 

In-home respite allows the carer to have a break from their caring role. 

It is designed to ensure that the carer can get out in the community knowing the person they care for is being supported at home. Activities carried out with in-home respite care are focused on the interests of the recipient.

For emergency respite, please contact Carerlinks North on 1800 059 059 or carerlinksnorth@merrihealth.org.au

Community Transport offers eligible residents a door-to-door service to various locations across the municipality

This valued service helps you stay connected with your community.

Our bus is wheelchair accessible and the driver can assist you with getting on and off the bus.

Learn more about our Community Transport service.

Council can perform minor household repairs and modifications to make your home safe, secure and comfortable.

Minor Maintenance

Hume City Council can provide minor maintenance services that don't require trade qualifications. There services can include

• supply and install hand-help shower heads
• provide or repair door locks
• repair or adjust gates
• supply and fit light globes
• provide a variety of non-slip solutions throughout the home
• supply and maintain smoke alarms
• place hard rubbish items out ready for pickup
• window cleaning (six outside windows maximum; must be single-story/ground-floor windows).

Home modifications

Modifications can be made to your home once an Occupational Therapist has conducted an assessment; these include: 

• installation of banister rails
• installation of hand rails
• installation of ramps and platforms
• installation of chair raisers
• minor modification of shower recesses
• alterations to steps (extensions/height adjustment).

Gutter cleaning and gardening

Garden maintenance services available include:

• pruning
• gutter cleaning (removal of leaves etc.)
• green waste removal
• installation of raised garden beds.

 All Home Maintenance must meet the safety and access criteria. 

Energy Efficiency Program

Supply and installation of energy efficient products can help you save on your power bill and reduce greenhouse emissions. Council can supply and install:

• blinds
• hot water valve cover (not suitable for all systems)
• draught dodgers
• external door strips
• internal door strips
• pedestal fan
• desk fan
• light bulbs (bayonet/screw in).

Council delivers a variety of programs that aim to provide fun, positive experience and encourage new friendships. 

Programs can include:

• social gatherings and outings 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs
• men’s group
• art and music technology programs (such as using music streaming and apps) 
• assistive technology programs (such as using social media)
• active lifestyle programs. 

Transport is available to and from activities. For transport please contact the Aged and Disability Services team on 9205 2200 (select option 2).