Geriatric Medicine (65+) & Aged Care Resources

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card allows eligible individuals over the age of 67 to access selected medical care at a cheaper rate such as: cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and reduce medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net. Click here to see if you are eligible.

The Central Bayside Community Health Care centre provides allied health, dental care, disability support, child support services, aged care support, as well as many other health care services. More information can be found by clicking here, or calling 03 8587 0200.

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you.

Carer Gateway offers a variety of support tailored to your needs; more information can be found here

Personal Alarms Victoria is a Victorian Government funded scheme focused on improving independence to individuals with disabilities or at risk of falls by providing personal alarms.

Their website guides you through the eligibility criteria and process, as well as alternative options if you are not eligible, or if you don’t want the personal alarm they provide. Click this link for more information.

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme is an Australian Government funded program focused towards reducing the cost of continence products for individuals using them long term. Specific criteria must be met to be eligible, however more information can be found here.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by various brain disorders. It can affect behaviour and memory enough to alter someone’s usual work or social life. Symptoms are usually varied and deceptive, with onset to diagnosis taking many months or even years. A prompt medical diagnosis allows patient access to support, information and available medications. Some common Dementia types include Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular, Alcoholic, Lewy Body or even Traumatic Dementia.  Common symptoms may include:  

changes to memory, problem-solving or planning, daily tasks confusion about time or place, social withdrawal, mood and personality changes, trouble with understanding the visual world, language comprehension, misplacing things, and losing the ability to retrace steps.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia, information regarding support and education can be found at Dementia Australia by clicking this link or calling 1800 100 500.

It is important to stay up to date with your vaccines. If you are over the age of 70 you are eligible for certain vaccines which are government funded.

These include

• Flu Vaccine
• Covid Vaccine
• Pneumonia Vaccine (Prevenar 13)
• Shingles vaccine ( Shingrix)
• Tetanus vaccine (Adacel Boostrix or ADT)

It is important to feel safe when living at home, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides assistance to those who require some assistance at home such as cleaning, transport, meals, personal care, house modification, social support nurse and allied health, and organising respite care. More information on the programme as well as eligibility criteria can be found through this link.

The over 75 health assessment is a Medicare funded initiative focused towards all older individuals in this age      group aimed at maintaining or improving your physical, social and mental health. This allows you to discuss any health concerns.

Your consult will involve an appointment with the nurse where they will go through a questionnaire regarding your current health and immunisations. This will then be followed by an appointment with your regular GP 2 weeks after. Prior to your appointment with your GP, you may be asked to complete routine blood tests, the nurse will discuss this with you.

Note that Medicare permits one health assessment every 12 months.