FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Community Care sector represents a group of programs and services which have been established to provide support to the aged, people with disabilities and the people who care for them. The supports provided are intended to enable the aged and people with disabilities to live in their own homes and remain in their community with the services provided reflecting the particular needs of the location they reside in.

Domestic assistance is a service aimed at helping the aged and people with disabilities to live and be independent in their own homes by providing assistance with light household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, clothes washing, ironing or shopping.

Home maintenance is a service aimed at helping the aged and people with disabilities to live and be independent in their own homes by providing assistance with the upkeep and repair of their home such as changing light bulbs, replacing tap washers, repairing roof guttering and other basic home maintenance to ensure the house is a safe place to live.

Respite care is the support for carers of people with disabilities and the aged through the provision of alternative care for short term breaks from their caring role. The type of respite is both flexible and responsive to the needs of the carers and the person being cared for and is intended to provide positive experiences for both the carers and the person being cared for.

Transport assistance can be provided to the aged and people with disabilities for both essential appointments and social activities. Transport options are available for both groups and individuals and may include transport to and from medical appointments, to do shopping, to attend social events and to meet a variety of other needs. Transportation is generally provided either by service provider cars or buses, a volunteer’s car, by taxi and other forms of public transport depending on the needs of the individual and the availability of transport options in your region.

Personal care is where carers help the aged and people with disabilities to shower, dress and groom. Carers may provide assist stance with simple exercise routines or the supervision of medication.

Overnight care is where a carer or carers stay overnight in the home of the aged or person with disabilities to provide assistance, reassurance and relief.

Social support is the provision of assistance to the aged and people with disabilities either in the home or the community to help meet the needs for social contact and community participation. Examples of assistance may include help with writing letters, reading, using computers for email communications or web access, telephone calls, visiting friends or participating in community activities.

The aged and people with disabilities may require home modifications to enable them to live in their own homes and remain in their community. Modifications may include renovations or alterations to enable them to move around their home safely including access ramps, emergency alarms, easy to use taps and handles, handrails and automatic lighting.