Home and Community Care provides basic personal support and home maintenance to help people to live independently. It is supported by financial assistance from the Australian and Victorian governments.

Services includes vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the bathroom and toilet, and washing.

Personal Care is help with showering, toileting, grooming and dressing and respite care staff care for a person whose family or carer needs a short break.

Council supports these providers to deliver home and community care services.

You can also speak to these organisations if you are interested in volunteering.

West and South District

Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance area including all areas around Paynesville, Eagle Point, Newlands Arm, Bengworden, Lindenow and surrounds, Bruthen, Buchan and Nowa Nowa.‍

Website: Gippsland Lakes Complete Health‍

Telephone: (03) 5155 8300

East District

Orbost to Cann River and surrounds: East of Nowa Nowa to Orbost as well as Tubbut, Bonang, Bendoc areas.‍

Website: Orbost Regional Health‍

Telephone: (03) 5154 6666

Mallacoota/Genoa District

Website: Mallacoota District Health and Support Service‍

Telephone: (03) 5158 0243

Omeo and District

Website: Omeo and District Health‍

Telephone: (03) 5159 0100

My Aged Care        

Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, Saturday 1.00 am - 2.00 pm

Telephone: 1800 200 422

www.myagedcare.gov.au

My Aged Care is a Federal government service that assists residents over the age of 65 or their carers to link with help and home-care support. Upon making contact, an assessment is made on how best to support the older resident and their carer. Assessments are free of charge and help determine a person’s individual care and support needs and their eligibility to support services.

Meals on Wheels

Hot meals are delivered Monday to Friday by volunteers to elderly or disabled residents of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and surrounding towns by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health.

This service allows people to remain with dignity and independence in their own homes. Frozen meals can be arranged for weekends and public holidays where necessary. Short-term assistance is also available.

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Inclusee's mission is to use the power of connection to reduce isolation and loneliness for Australians. It offers a wide range of specialised programs through user-friendly technology, and creates a place where people can make new connections, learn new skills and get online safely and on your own terms.

If you would like to access or try free online social or digital support that includes a device and data (posted to you), weekly tech support sessions and other great activities such as book clubs, trivia, bingo click here to see the full program or call 1800 287 687.

Inclusee is a FREE government funded service that connects older Australians and First Nations people, fostering meaningful connections in a safe and supportive virtual community. Inclusee believes everyone should be able to enjoy a rich social life, regardless of their location or personal circumstances.

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To apply for a Seniors Card you need to be over 60 years of age, a permanent resident of Australia, residing in Victoria.

• If you are working fewer than 35 hours per week in paid employment, or fully retired - apply for a Seniors Card.
• If you are working more than 35 hours per week, apply for the Seniors Business Discount Card.

If you have a Seniors Card, you are eligible for free or concession public transport, and all card holders can take advantage of discounts and services from businesses via our Discount Directory.

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For more information go to Seniors Online website or phone 1300 797 210.

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East Gippsland’s RECHARGE Scheme™ lets you recharge your electric scooter and wheelchair while away from home.

This helps you plan your trip and you can feel more confident getting to and from your destination, knowing support is available.

Bairnsdale

• Library: 22 Service Street
• Corporate Centre: 273 Main Street
• BARC and Forge Theatre: 80 McKean Street

Lakes Entrance

• Aquadome: 43 Palmers Road
• Service Centre: 18 Mechanics Street
• Visitor Information Centre: 2 Marine Parade

Omeo

• Service Centre: 179 Day Avenue

Orbost

• Service Centre: 1 Ruskin Street

Mallacoota

• Service Centre: 70 Maurice Avenue

Paynesville

• Service Centre: 55 The Esplanade

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Recharge Scheme - battery and charging information

How long does it take to recharge a battery?

Recharge times can vary, depending on the state of batteries before the charging process, the size of batteries and the size or voltage of the charger. Newer batteries will take longer to charge as they have more capacity. Older batteries you will find, over time, may harden in places (sulfate), which lessens the capacity and therefore will not hold their charge for as long.

Mobility devices must be recharged after every use. Use the following rule of thumb: for every hour’s use, the mobility vehicle should be on charge for double the time.

Do all mobility devices have an on-board battery charger?

Mobility devices are available with either an on-board charger or off-board charger. If you have an off-board charger, you need to bring it with you if you want to utilise the RECHARGE Scheme™ service. Do not borrow a battery charger if its not the same model as yours. Using a charger that isn’t compatible may do serious damage to a mobility device.

If I were to charge my battery at a RECHARGE Point™ location for an hour, what distance would I be able to travel?

To work out the distance you can travel if you use a RECHARGE Point™ location for an hour, ask yourself these questions:

At what level were my batteries when I started out for the day? (e.g. full (green), medium (yellow) or low (red)).

If it was at near full capacity when you left your destination you should still have between 20-30km of available travel power. If your battery was at a medium level you can expect to be able to travel between 10-15km. If your battery level was near low, you should not attempt to travel more than 10km without recharging first.

Keep in mind that the lower power you battery has, the longer it will take to charge to an optimum level to ensure your journey can be completed safely.

After having my mobility device on charge for an hour, has my battery gauge reached midway?

As long as your battery gauge indicates there is half battery capacity and you are within 15 kilometres from your destination you will safely finish your journey. It is difficult to ascertain what distance can be travelled exactly, as there are many factors. The condition of the batteries, size and the load on the mobility device, as well as the terrain you are travelling on are some examples of what you will need to consider.

• Always put your mobility device on charge the night before use to ensure that your batteries are full before setting out for the day.
• What distance can I travel with one full battery charge?
• Approximately 20-30 kilometres.

What range can I get per battery charge?

Here is a guide to work out the range per battery charge on newer batteries for your mobility device. Please note that if batteries are older or worn the range will vary and will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Battery size (12v)

• 12-18amp hour (ah) 10-16km
• 21 ah - up to 20km
• 30-35ah 20-30km
• 40-55ah up to 40km
• 70+ah up to 50km

Can a battery be topped up if it is already charged to three quarters of its capacity?

Yes, you can top up the charge at any time, as long as the current level is below its full capacity. An added safety feature of the new batteries is that many are designed so that you cannot overcharge your batteries. These chargers will switch off when the battery has reached full capacity and then go on trickle charge to top up when needed. This minimises the potential for damage experienced by some owners of older style or reconditioned electric scooters (over five years of age) which may not incorporate an automatically cut-off feature for fully charged batteries.

What is the lifespan of a battery?

The lifespan can vary depending on usage, battery type, age, care and maintenance etc. It is very important to ensure you recharge your battery frequently. Allowing your battery to completely discharge may cause damage to the battery and/or the mobility device’s electrical programmer. Charge your battery every two weeks at minimum, even if you are not using your mobility device. This is most important during the winter months, when you may not be using your mobility device as much.

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Gippsland Aged Care Specialist Officers provide in-person support to help navigate the aged care system.

Aged Care Specialist Officers are based in Bairnsdale and Morwell to provide in-person support to older people in Gippsland, providing greater choice in how people access the aged care services they need.

The officers are based at Services Australia centres in the Centrelink offices at:

• Bairnsdale: 60-62 Macleod Street
• Morwell: corner of Elgin and Chapel streets

An Aged Care Specialist Officer can provide you and/or a chosen representative with in-person support to connect with and navigate the aged care system.

Aged Care Specialist Officers can: 

• Provide in-depth information about the different types of aged care services.
• Check if you are eligible for aged care services.
• Register and refer you for a My Aged Care assessment.
• Offer financial information about aged care services.
• Help you appoint a My Aged Care representative.
• Connect you with local support services, social workers, interpreters and advocates.

For more, see the My Aged Care information sheet.

Whether you are needing some extra help at home or considering a move to residential aged care, an Aged Care Specialist Officer can give you the support you need to get started on your aged care journey.

In addition to the support offered by Aged Care Specialist Officers, Services Australia staff at the Gippsland service centres can help you:

• Access general information about aged care services.
• Navigate the My Aged Care website.
• Connect you to more specialist support.

Arrange a face-to-face appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer by phoning 1800 227 475 or speaking with the Services Australia staff at a service centre.

You can still access My Aged Care services through the My Aged Care website or the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.

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Carers play a special role in our community providing much needed assistance and emotional support to the people they care for.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care (includes receiving carers pension) and support to family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or age-related condition. Carers can be found across a wide range of ages with some carers aged under 10 and others are in their nineties. Carers come from all walks of life; they can be family members, friends or neighbours.

Eleven per cent of Victorians have an unpaid caring role, around 1 in 9people across the state. In East Gippsland that equates to around 6,040 people who are registered as a carer.

East Gippsland Shire Council values the contribution of carers in our municipality and is proudly an accredited Carer Friendly Organisation.

Carer Gateway

The Carer Gateway program provides support services, free of charge, to unpaid carers to help them manage their role as carers and improve their wellbeing.

If you provide unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour with a mental illness, disability, chronic health issue or age-related condition is defined by Carer Gateway as a carer. Note, a paid carer is someone who works for an organization or agency.

Carers can be any age and they can provide full-time, part-time or even occasional help to others.

Or, if you want to refer a carer on their behalf, please feel free to fill out the e-referral form.

Through the program, Uniting Vic/Tas provides the following support (in-person, online or over the phone):

You can access:

• Carer support planning
• Carer counselling
• Peer support groups
• Carer coaching
• Young carer support
• Carer respite
• Education and resources

Carers can visit the Carer Gateway website or contact the team on 1800 422 737.

Or, if you want to refer a carer on their behalf, please feel free to fill out the e-referral form.

To access Carer Gateway online services:

Request a callback on the National Carer Gateway Counselling Service website or phone 1800 422 737 and press 2.

Carer Gateway Community Forum – a safe, online connection space for carers

Online Carer coaching

Online skills courses

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‍Other carer support

https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au - a place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their story and opinions.

www.carersvictoria.org.au - the state-wide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria. Their website includes details of local carer support groups, resources and events. Carers Victoria also has a statewide advisory line to assist carers with navigating the resources and supports available.

www.satellitefoundation.org.au - for children and young people where a parent has a mental illness or mental health challenge.

www.tandemcarers.org.au - peak body representing family and friends of people living with mental illness.

https://dementia.com.au - nationwide service whose role is to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.

www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone - resources for people caring for an older person.

www.disabilitygateway.gov.au - information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers.

https://palliativecare.org.au/im-a-carer - resources and access to support for people carer for someone at end of life.

www.carersaustralia.com.au/about-carers/culturally-linguistically-diverse-carers - Carers Australia has links to supports for culturally and linguistically diverse carers.

www.carersaustralia.com.au/about-carers/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-carers - Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander carers – contact Carers Victoria for direction to localised supports.

https://carersweek.com.au/about - has information on events, resources for carers and people who interact with carers.

www.carercard.vic.gov.au – state-wide discounts and benefits with participating businesses.

You can also contact your nearest health service for additional information and support.

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East Gippsland's Senior Citizens’ Clubs offer a variety of social, physical, leisure, recreational and intellectual activities to their members over 55 years of age.

Bairnsdale Senior Citizens Centre                                

Picnic Point Hall, 114 Dreverman Street, Bairnsdale

Phone: 0411 282 320

Bruthen and District Senior Citizen Club                        

No venue

Phone: 0407 507 849

High Country Seniors Citizens Group                          

34 Gibbo Street, Benambra   

Phone: 03 5159 9208

Lakes Entrance Senior Citizens Club                              

47 Coates Road, Lakes Entrance

Phone: 03 5155 2482

Mallacoota District Senior Citizens Club                      

No Venue

Phone: 0408 580 219

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Orbost Senior Citizens                              

Nicholson Street, Orbost

Phone: 03 5154 1520

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