Council support for older adults

Being connected with others and a part of your community is important for your health and wellbeing. It can help reduce loneliness and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Living well and staying independent at home is also important, so you can keep control of your daily life and routines.

We’re here to support you with a range of council services, activities, and programs. Whether you want to join social groups, stay active, or get practical help with services, we have options for everyone.

Aged Care Services offered by Council

In 2024, following the Australian Government’s aged care reforms, Council made the tough decision to stop providing in-home support services. This process is now complete, and existing Council Aged Care clients have moved to local aged care service providers.

As part of this decision, Council invested in the establishment of a new service called the Community Connector Service, as well as continuing to deliver a range of community-based services. Here are the Community-based services Council provides:

• Delivered meals for people aged 65 and over
• Social Support Groups for people aged 65 and over
• Community transport, a free hop-on and off bus service.
• Community Connector Service

Our community-based services 

The Council offers a range of services to help you stay in your own home and stay connected to your local community. 

Food Services

Delivered Meals service (Meals on Wheels)

Our delivered meals service supports residents aged 65 and over. To use this service, you must be registered with My Aged Care.

How it works:

• Meals are delivered fresh to your home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Meals can be eaten within three days or frozen for up to two months.
• You can receive up to seven meals per week, depending on your needs.

Meal details:

• Provided by Choice Fresh Meals, offering a wide variety of healthy options.
• Special dietary needs, including texture-modified meals, can be catered for.
• Meals include three courses: soup, a main meal or sandwich and dessert.
• Packaging is both microwave and oven safe.
• A regular delivery time will be provided with a two-hour window dependent your location

For residents aged under 65:

Delivered meals are now provided by Bolton Clarke (formerly Royal District Nursing Service). Call: 1300 22 11 22 for more information and to arrange an assessment.

Social support

Social Connection Program  

The Social Connection Program (Better Together program) is for older people who want to connect with others and join activities or events based on their interests. The program focuses on group-based activities in the community and helps people build and maintain social connections.

For more information, visit social support and recreation.

Hop-on Hop-off free community bus

The Council proudly offers a free community bus transport service. The bus service has over 150 community transport stops and goes to local libraries, the South Melbourne Market, shopping areas, medical centres, and community centres.

For more information, visit: Community bus - City of Port Phillip

Community Connector Service 

Port Phillip’s new Community Connector service helps older residents, their carers and family members to access aged care services and explore all the support and services available to help keep residents happy, healthy and socially connected.

How can we help?

• Finding services: We help you understand and use aged care services, carer support and other available resources
• Local connections: We connect you to local services to help you stay independent and live at home longer
• Social support: We can help you find community programs, social groups, and new activities to keep you active and connected
• Council services: We provide information about council supported services like delivered meals and transport.

The Community Connector is here to guide you, support you and help you get involved and supported by your community. Our goal is to help you stay connected and feel confident in using the services and activities that matter most to you.

Contact information

• Phone: 03 9209 6777 and request the Community Connector service
• Email: communityconnector@portphillip.vic.gov.au

You can also contact the Council customer service team in person at St Kilda Town hall or Port Melbourne Town Hall Council offices who will pass on your request.

Accessing Australian Government-funded Aged Care Services 

My Aged Care

Whether you’re looking into aged care homes, or getting extra help around the house, My Aged Care is the starting point to access Australian Government-funded aged care services. These services can support you to live at home longer by assisting you with your day-to-day needs. Services may include personal care, help with cleaning or gardening, meals, social activities, transport and nursing and allied health care.

My Aged care is for people aged 65 or over, or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.

How it works:

• Eligibility: is based on your health and how well you can manage at home
• Have an assessment: this assessment is required to determine your care needs and access funded aged care services
• Referrals to services: if eligible, you’ll be referred to the services that suit your needs through My Aged Care.

There are two programs available to help you:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The CHSP provides entry level support services to help people live safely and independently at home. It may be available while you wait for a Home Care Package. For more information, visit Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) | My Aged Care.2.

    2. Home Care Packages (HCP)

Home Care Packages (HCP) are a comprehensive service designed to support people who have higher care needs than that which can  be provided through CHSP services. It provides a tailored service specific to your needs and requirements to help you live independently and comfortably at home. For more information, visit Home Care Packages | My Aged Care.

You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website.

Port Phillip’s Community Connector team can help you with navigating My Aged Care and registering for services, contact them via 03 9209 6777 and request the Community Connector service.

Support services for people aged under 65

If you are aged under 65 years, or aged under 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, you should contact the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to see if you are eligible for services.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) has partners with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to provide help to people in the City of Port Phillip to navigate the NDIS.

How BSL can help:

• The BSL team can guide you through the process of gathering the necessary evidence and proving your eligibility
• If you’re not yet registered with the NDIS, it’s recommended to use BSL’s service for support with this process.

You can contact BSL on 1300 275 634 or BSL@ndis.gov.au

You can contact NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit www.ndis.gov.au   

Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) 

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) supports people under 65 who are not eligible for the NDIS to assist you with your day to day needs.

How it works:

• Eligibility: is based on your health, how well you can manage at home, and your support needs to remain living independently in your home
• Have an assessment: this assessment is required to access funded services through HACC PYP.
• Assessment Service – Bolton Clarke complete the assessments for HACC PYP services. Contact Bolton Clarke on 1300 22 11 22 and request a HACC PYP assessment
• Referrals to services: If eligible, you’ll be referred to the services that suit your needs following the HACC PYP assessment.

For more information, visit: HACC Program for Younger People

Carer services 

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program that offers free support and services for carers. You can access these services in person, online, or by phone. They will help you figure out what you need and connect you to local services for support.

To speak with your local Carer Gateway provider, call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.

For more information, visit: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ 

Carer information hub 

The Council's Carer Information Hub offers information and resources to help people in the role of a carer.