Contact
Warrnambool City Council
Home and Community Services
Phone: 5559 4801
Email: hacc_coordination@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Delivered by the Warrnambool City Council, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) helps people aged 65+ or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people over 50 access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. Asking for help doesn’t mean losing your independence or moving out of home, CHSP works with you to maintain your independence rather than doing things for you.
Services that keep me well and independent
Meals on Wheels
A variety of nutritious cooked meals are delivered, Monday to Friday every day of the year (including all public holidays). Weekend meals are also delivered on Fridays. A dedicated team of volunteers are registered with the Warrnambool City Council to deliver meals. Importantly, this service is not just about the meal. Our wonderful volunteers also check on the wellbeing of every customer who receives a meal.
Personal Care
Our trained and experienced staff can provide assistance with personal hygiene including showering, dressing, toileting, shaving and grooming, eating and drinking, assistance with shopping. Personal Care services recognise your need to remain as active as possible while living independently in your own home.
Carer Respite
Services help to provide respite to people in an unpaid caring role so that they can take a break from their caring role to enjoy social activities, attend appointments, go shopping or participate in leisurely activities. Carer Respite may be for a few hours or days or longer periods, depending on your needs and the needs of the person who cares for you. Services can take place in your home or at Council’s own day centre facilities that have great indoor and outdoor activities and also include residential respite.
Services that keep me safe at home
Home Care (Domestic Assistance)
Practical assistance and support to manage housework and everyday tasks within the home. Services are designed to promote wellbeing, safety and the capacity to live independently in your own home.
Social programs that keep me connected with my community
Out and About Bus
Do you enjoy great food and company? Would you enjoy attending organised luncheons, tours and visiting different places? If the answer is yes, then the Out & About bus is for you! This program helps you participate and stay connected to the community. It’s a very friendly and social group to be a part of where you can meet new people and develop friendships in a relaxed, supported environment. This program runs each week day, clients are transported from their homes to and from the program via the Out & About Bus.
Café Support Program
This program provides social support to people who like to get out and meet other people. It is run in a supported, informal and relaxed environment. The program aims to provide an opportunity for people to connect with others in a like situation, to share experiences and gain support. Café meetups occur monthly in Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland and Camperdown and activities include reminiscing sessions, themed events and guest speakers. Café’s are conducted in a warm and friendly accessible environment, with food, refreshments, good conversation and laughter provided!
Men’s Group
Our Men's Group is a friendly and inclusive social support group for men whom meet weekly. The Men's Group meet weekly and visit a variety of places and community events together. This group provides an opportunity for men to enjoy each other's company and make friends. Clients are transported from their homes to and from the program via the Out & About bus.
Vision Group - Centre Based
The Vision Group is based at the Archie Graham Community Centre and offers physical activity, good nutrition as well as cognitive and intellectual stimulation in a friendly and safe environment for people who are visually impaired. The Vision Group is regularly involved in new and interesting experiences at the centre one day and out and about in the community the next. This program runs weekly at the Archie Graham Community Centre with morning tea and lunch included.
Who is Eligible and how do I access these programs and services?
Eligibility for CHSP is based on your support needs and age. If you are 65+ years or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person over 50, and experience difficulty carrying out the tasks of daily living and need support to connect socially to your local community, CHSP could be right for you. Carers are also eligible for CHSP, providing respite and breaks from unpaid caring roles.
Inquiries and referrals can be received from:
- Family members or friends.
- General practitioners.
- Hospitals or other health services.
- Community agencies.
- You – anyone requiring assistance can phone on their own behalf
Contact our Home and Community Services team on 5559 4801 to discuss how you can become involved in our CHSP services and programs.
What happens next?
Before services can commence, customers aged 65+ need to register through My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or applying online. Once registration is complete, the Regional Assessment Service will contact you to confirm your eligibility and to discuss the support that you require. They will work with you to assist with achieving your health and wellbeing goals.
What is the cost?
Nominal fees are charged for some services, while others are free. We can discuss fees at any stage in your enquiry.
Are interpreting services required?
Contact Language Loop on 9280 1941
Home and Community Services are supported by funding from the Australian and Victorian Governments.