Integrated Aged Care Assessment Services

The Integrated Aged Care Assessment Service comprises the following services:

• The Aged Care Assessment Service
• Allied Health - Continence Nurse Advisors & Occupational Therapy

The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) Wangaratta is one of two ACAS teams in the Hume Region, the other being based in Shepparton.    

The role of the ACAS team is to :

• Comprehensively assess the needs of frail, older people and to facilitate access to available care services appropriate to their needs;
• Determine eligibility for Commonwealth subsidised residential aged care (including respite), Community Aged care Packages (CACP) and some flexible care services including Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH).

In some situations we also deal with the care needs of younger disabled people seeking respite or permanent care where no other options are available.

We service the local government areas of Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo Shire, Alpine Shire, Mansfield Shire, Towong Shire, Wodonga City and Rural City of Benalla.

ACAS team members work with clients and families within a "biopsychosocial model".  This model recognises the importance and impact of biological factors (includes medical conditions), psychological factors, and social and cultural factors on an individual's health. It is an holistic approach and includes consideration of family and carers, and supports mutually agreed care planning and service delivery.

The ACAS team also works with hospitals, local government, residential care providers, package providers, carer support services, advocacy groups, and a range of other government and non-government agencies to facilitate best practice in the aged care sector.  Close relationships exist with an enormous range of health services and social support options throughout the coverage area.

Allied Health   (This service is jointly funded from the Australian and Victorian Governments)

Allied Health services provided by O&KCHS operate within both the Community Consultancy & Care Program and the Integrated ACAS program.

Integrated ACAS delivers

• Continence Nurse Advisory services
• Occupational Therapy

The primary target group for this service is frail, older people and young people with disabilities living in their own homes and carers of both groups.   The team offers a very specific service, with most clients visited in their home environment.  The services are provided to residents of the Rural City of Wangaratta, Alpine Shire, Mansfield Shire and Rural City of Benalla.

These services include but are not limited to

• Provision of aids and equipment (including funding applications) to support individuals to remain at home - such as walking frames, shower chairs, wheelchairs, continence equipment.
• Home modification advice and assistance including planning modifications to meet client needs, technical drawing, liaison with builders/architects/Housing Office
• Supporting individuals of all ages with continence problems through education, provision of aids and equipment, and other interventions
• Referral to & liaison with other service providers

HACC services are developing an Active Service Model of service delivery which aims to encourage functional independence.