There’s a wide range of assistance from hundreds of Government funded organisations and schemes to provide services to people who have experienced a major illness, injury, a change in health or a disability.

Depending on your needs at different stages of your illness and where you live, help can range from transport to and from doctor’s appointments, subsidised medication, home help and legal advice to palliative care for the terminally ill.

Access to the services which suit your circumstances will be through your GP, local pharmacist, hospital, community health worker or specialist who will direct you to the most appropriate organisations.

Here is a list of the most commonly used services which may be a good place to start when working out what help you may need now or in the future:

The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing

has information on ageing, conditions and disease, gene technology, health campaigns, products and medicines, services and rural health.
Freecall: 1800 020 103
http://www.health.gov.au

Centerlink

Centrelink is an Australian Government Statutory Agency, assisting people to become self-sufficient and supporting those in need. They provide financial services for the whole community.
Phone: 13 27 17
http://www.centerlink.gov.au/

Commonwealth Carelink Centres Services Directory

will give you information on other Government (and non Government services)
Freecall: 1800 052 222.
http://www9.health.gov.au

Home & Community Care (HACC)

is a national organisation with state offices helping people in need such as frail older people and people with a disability living independently in their own home. It provides services such as cooked meals, gardening, minor repairs, cleaning and referral to other relevant services in your area.
http://www.health.gov.au

Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs)

are coordinated care services such as bathing, meals, shopping and getting to and from appointments to help older people with moderate to severe disabilities to remain at home.
http://www.health.gov.au

Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH)

helps people with complex care needs to remain at home with nursing services, nutrition help, medication supervision, personal care and home help.
http://www.health.gov.au

For more details on eligibility and assessment  for CACP & EACH contact:

• Commonwealth Carelink Centre -1800 052 222 for your local centre.
• The Aged Care Information Line -1800 500 853.
  

The Australian Government’s HealthInsite website

provides news and information on services in your state or territory as well as national services which include state government health agencies, peak bodies, non-government organisations, some research organisation and hospitals.
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au

community.gov.au

lists health services and other services around Australia including palliative care, mental health, aged care and illness management.
www.community.gov.au

National Rural Health Alliances

the peak body health body for Australians in rural and remote areas
http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au

The Department of Health and Ageing’s Rural Health Services Directory

lists many services and projects for country Australians
http://www.health.gov.au

The Department of Health and Ageing’s Carer Resource Centre

provides information and advice on all government programs which support carers including publications, support services, training and education programs.
Centres are located in each state and territory capital city.
Phone: 1800 242 636 (free call from local phones, mobile calls at mobile rates)
http://www.aodgp.gov.au

The Home Care Service

helps people with a disability and older people and their carers to live independently in their own homes. Services can include home maintenance, gardening help, minor repairs etc and advice.
Phone: 1800 052 222.
http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au

Palliative care

Palliative care, provided by a team of health professionals aims to provide patients and their carers and families good quality of life with emotional and physical support through the final stages of illness. For information on what is available close to you:

• Aged Care Australia www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

• Care Search www.caresearch.com.au

• Palliative care Australia www.pallcare.org.au

• HealthInsite www.healthinsite.gov.au

• Rural Palliative Care Program www.adgp.com.au

• Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres Freecall 1800 059 059

The Australian Healthcare and Hospital’s Association

is the national industry body for publicly funded hospitals and healthcare organisations, including aged and extended care, primary and community health.
Phone: 02  6162 0780
www.aha.asn.au

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

provides some financial assistance to veterans, war widows, their families and carers.
You can contact DVA by calling 1300 55 1918
www.dva.gov.au

Equipment and Aids schemes

have different names in each of the states and territory but generally provide subsidies for equipment and home modifications for people with disabilities, the frail aged and those with chronic illnesses, to help them live as independently as possible in the community. Sometimes free drop off and pickup services are available.

Taxis for Travel

Subsidies to use taxis for travel at a reduced rate for people with severe disabilities who are unable to use conventional transport are available in all states but different rates and criteria apply.

Transitional Care

provides older people with continuing rehabilitation and support services including occupational therapy and physiotherapy when they move from hospital to home after acute illness. Services are organised through the hospital before discharge.

The Consumer Handbook Online

lists more than 730 private, community and government organisations offering advice, information and complaint handling information in Australia.
www.consumersonline.gov.au

The Midwest Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre

Geraldton WA. Part of a Federal Government project incorporating the 'Staying at Home' initiative. The Centre provides assistance to carers including information, resources and respite.
www.mmhr.org.au/Home.asp?documentid=192