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Service Category: Allied Health

Support at Home Allied Health Services

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Support at Home Allied Health Services

At Ballarat Community Health we specialise in a range of allied health services, including dietetics, exercise physiology, podiatry, physiotherapy, cardiac health and integrated chronic disease management counselling.

For clients with a Home Care Package, these services may be included as part of your package.

Cardiac Health Nurses

Cardiac health nurses work with you to deliver a program of support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals and personalised to strengthen your heart, helping you make long-term lifestyle changes so you can live a longer, healthier life. We help you recover after a heart event, procedure or the diagnosis of a heart condition.

Cardiac Health also helps lower your chances of having heart problems in the future. If you require this service, please contact our Allied Health Intake team on (03) 5338 4593 or [email protected]

Dietitians

Dieticians can work with you providing specialist advice and support on managing your diet to improve the nutritional quality of your diet improving overall health and wellbeing.

Exercise physiologists

Exercise physiologists work with you to support to develop individualised exercise programs that fit within an individual’s abilities to improve overall health and wellbeing.

General Counsellors

General Counsellors provide general counselling services.

Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor

Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor works with individuals adapting to and living with chronic illness to provide mental health counselling and care navigation from a wellness and reablement framework.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists work with you to help maintain and improve a person’s ability to move and function. Our physiotherapists will start with your current functionality and, in consultation with you, develop a plan for improving your mobility, strength and functionality over time.

Podiatrists

Podiatrists provide specialist advice on the health of your feet and ankles. They will work with you to improve your mobility and strength, allowing you to be more independent and participate more in your community. Our podiatrists will assess your gait and factors that will affect your mobility and discuss a plan to enable you to maintain or enhance your mobility.

Service Request Form

Support At Home (Home Care Package)

Service Request Form

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NDIS Allied Health Services

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NDIS Allied Health Services

Dietitians

At Ballarat Community Health we specialise in a range of allied health services, including dietetics, exercise physiology, physiotherapy podiatry and paediatric speech pathology.

These services fit into NDIS plans in the areas of ‘Improved health & wellbeing’, ‘Improved daily living’.

Work with you providing specialist advice and support on managing your diet to improve the nutritional quality of your diet improving overall health and wellbeing.

To find out more or make an appointment, make an enquiry via the customer service menu to the right-hand side of your screen. Alternatively, call our freindly cso team on (03) 5338 4500.

Contact

For NDIS Allied Health Enquiries
Call (03) 5338 4500

For NDIS Support Coordination
Call (03) 5358 7400 and ask to speak with the NDIS Response Coordinator

Exercise Physiologists

Work with you to support to develop individualised exercise programs that fit within an individual’s abilities to improve overall health and wellbeing

Podiatrists

Provide specialist advice on the health of your feet and ankles. They will work with you to improve your mobility and strength, allowing you to be more independent and participate more in your community.

Our podiatrists will assess your gait and factors that will affect your mobility and discuss a plan to enable you to maintain or enhance your mobility.

Physiotherapists

Work with you to help maintain and improve a person’s ability to move and function.

Our physiotherapists will start with your current functionality and, in consultation with you, develop a plan for improving your mobility, strength and functionality over time.

Paediatric Speech Pathologists

Work with clients from 2 to 8 years of age to assist with a range of communication difficulties such as production of speech sounds, fluency and language.

Our speech pathologists work closely with parents and carers to help support a child’s growth and development.

Service Request Form

NDIS Service Request Form

NDIS  Support Coordination has transitioned to Grampians Community Health

Please Call 5358 7400 and ask to speak with the NDIS Response Coordinator.

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Paediatric Speech Pathology

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Paediatric Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists at Ballarat Community Health work closely with parents and carers to help support a child’s growth and development in all areas of communication.

Ballarat Community Health accept referrals for children between the ages of 2 – 8 years. We are able to assess and treat the following areas

  • Speech – Speech sounds and how a child can be understood by others in conversation.
  • Language – The understanding of concepts, following directions, listening, telling stories, and being able to communicate their needs and wants.
  • Social skills – The use of communication skills in social situations.
  • Stuttering – When a child is repeating sounds, words, or phrases during conversation.

Ballarat community Health can assist children and families of all abilities in a supportive and neurodiversity-affirming environment.

Speech pathology services are offered at the Ballarat Community Health Lucas site.

We encourage all children to have a hearing test. For further information on how to arrange a hearing test please discuss with your GP. For more information , contact our customer service team on (03) 5338 4500.

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

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Podiatry

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Podiatry

Foot and leg pain should not be a part of your daily life and can unnecessarily impair your mobility and health. A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

Caring for the health of your feet begins at any age—the earlier the better! Early detection and management in babies and children can help reduce foot problems in later life. Ballarat Community Health podiatrists are located at the BCH Lucas, Wendouree, Sebastopol and Smythesdale sites.

They provide professional and affordable footcare for all ages, with service prioritised for individuals on a healthcare card or pension. They can help with

  • sore or aching feet
  • gait analysis and orthoses (support wear for feet and lower limbs, like orthotics, braces, splints, etc.)
  • diabetes care and assessments
  • general treatment
  • ingrown toenails and nail surgery
  • footwear advice

For enquiries call us directly on (03) 5338 4500.

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Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is for more than just back pain. Physios can help with chronic disease, injury management and prevention, general pain, headaches—and much, much more. It has been found that physiotherapy is more effective in treating various conditions and injuries than either surgery or medication, so it’s important to see if a physio can help you with your condition.

BCH physiotherapists (physios) can help with sore body parts and limbs, dizziness and headaches, chronic conditions, post-surgery rehabilitation, and much more. Physiotherapy services are available to all people, including frail older people and people with disabilities.

Our physiotherapists will work with you to restore your function and independence. They aim to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life, utilising treatment techniques such as manual therapy, exercise and education, as well as guiding you toward self-management. Our physiotherapists treat conditions such as

  • back and neck pain
  • chronic conditions such as arthritis
  • post-surgery (eg, knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgery)
  • general joint and muscle pain/injury or weakness
  • reduced mobility
  • dizziness caused by conditions such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) as well as other conditions contributing to dizziness.

We also provide children’s physiotherapy services, which can help your child to improve

  • motor development
  • strength
  • range of motion
  • endurance
  • gait difficulties
  • balance
  • coordination
  • delayed motor development.

Ballarat Community Health has qualified physiotherapists practicing at Lucas, Sebastopol and Wendouree.

Along with general outpatient treatment, there are several new and continuing programs available, including pole walking and the stroke group.

A referral may be required to access this service. An initial assessment is 60 minutes and a review is typically 30 minutes.

Contact us on (03) 5338 4500.

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

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Dietetics

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Dietetics

Looking to improve the way you eat? Manage or prevent diabetes? Just feel healthier? Our BCH dietitians are here to support. Healthy eating and nutrition have long been considered one of the cornerstones of human wellbeing, but it’s not always simple in practise.

The dietitians at Ballarat Community Health work within a multidisciplinary team to help you to understand the relationship between food and health.

Our team can offer evidence based, non-judgemental support with food and eating, working with you to help meet your needs and support your goals.

All dietitians employed at BCH are accredited practising dietitians (APDs) and offer a range of support in many different areas, including

  • general nutrition and healthy eating
  • diabetes and prevention of diabetes
  • heart health, cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • assistance to manage gout through diet
  • fussy or selective eating
  • improving your relationship with food
  • body image concerns
  • nutrition for pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • nutrition for healthy ageing
  • stomach and gut issues
  • food intolerance and allergy
  • vegetarian and vegan eating
  • loss of strength or energy
  • vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • confusion about popular diets.

Carmen Goldsborough

Carmen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialed Diabetes Educator working primarily within her area of expertise, Diabetes. Carmen is keen to support people living with diabetes to achieve their health goals.

As a DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) facilitator Carmen can support people living with Type 1 Diabetes with carbohydrate counting, managing exercise and insulin dose adjustment.

You can find Carmen at our Wendouree (Howitt St) and Sebastopol sites.

Zoe McCuskey

Zoe is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. She has a passion for making nutrition information easy to digest and facilitating positive relationships with food.

In addition to practicing with a non-diet approach, Zoe can help you with a range of food and nutrition related concerns such as; diabetes, heart and gastrointestinal health, malnutrition and disordered eating.

You can find Zoe at our Lucas, Sebastopol, Howitt St & headspace Ballarat sites.

Felicity Robinson

Felicity is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. In addition to a special interest in gastrointestinal health, she sees people with diabetes, high cholesterol, malnutrition and for general healthy eating.

Felicity is a certified LIFE! facilitator and runs regular groups for diabetes, stroke and heart disease prevention.
You can find Felicity at our Wendouree (Howitt St) and Sebastopol sites.

Elaine Donovan

Elaine is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Elaine enjoys working with clients to achieve their nutrition related health goals particularly in the areas of digestive health, heart health, diabetes and malnutrition. Elaine is trained in the Low FODMAP Diet Approach.

You can find Elaine at our Lucas and Sebastopol sites

Jane Martin

Jane is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. She can help you with a range of nutrition concerns such as heart health, diabetes, malnutrition, and general healthy eating. Jane also has a strong interest in gut health, helping people form a positive relationship with food, and empowering people to make better and informed choices with their food and nutrition.

You can find Jane at our Lucas and Sebastopol sites.

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

You can get a referral from your GP, Cardiologist or you can self-refer. For more information contact us on (03) 5338 4500.

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Cardiac Health

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Cardiac Health Program

The aim is for you to feel better supported in managing and understanding your heart condition and recovery. Being a group program, it also provides peer support with others who have experienced similar heart events.

Where?

You have the option to attend the program at Lucas or Sebastopol.

What to Expect?

You will attend a 90minute initial assessment with a cardiac nurse and exercise physiologist. This is then followed by seven weeks of twice weekly exercise and weekly education sessions. Your program can be tailored around work/personal commitments where possible. Family members are encouraged to attend education sessions with you.

What does the program offer?

Education sessions are facilitated by qualified professionals including Cardiac Nurse, Dietitian, Counsellor, Pharmacist, Exercise Physiologist and Ambulance Victoria.

Your exercise program is adapted according to your heart condition and recovery post heart event.

Are You Eligible?

Have you experienced within the last 12 months

  • a heart attack
  • heart stents
  • heart bypass surgery
  • angina
  • surgery or treatment on the valves of the heart
  • controlled heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation
  • placement of a pacemaker
  • controlled heart failure conditions
  • High risk of cardiovascular disease

How can the Program Help Me?

  • better understand your heart condition
  • learn about your medications
  • understand your risk factors & how to manage them
  • create a healthier lifestyle
  • return to normal activities and or work
  • figure out what to do in an emergency.

Cost?

There is a small cost per session however a fee waiver can be offered if experiencing financial hardship (enquire for further information).

How Can I Access the Program?

You can get a referral from your GP, Cardiologist or you can self-refer. For more information contact us on (03) 5338 4500

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

Additional Information

pdf Cardiac Rehab Brochure

In Allied Health 374 downloads

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Cardiac Rehab Brochure

The Cardiac Health Program is a professionally supervised 8 week exercise program in a well-equipped gym. Heart health education is also delivered to improve outcomes for people who have had a heart event.

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Exercise Physiology

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Exercise Physiology

Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who specialise in using exercise, lifestyle change and behaviour modification to help prevent and manage a wide range of chronic conditions and injuries. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, cancer, arthritis, COPD, and more.

Whether you’re looking to improve your general fitness, recover from injury, or manage a specific health condition, our exercise physiologists will work with you to create a personalised plan to support your health, function, and quality of life. Exercise physiology is suitable for anyone wanting to make lasting changes to their physical activity and is especially helpful for those with medical conditions that require tailored support.

Before joining one of our group programs, you’ll need to complete an initial assessment with an exercise physiologist. This ensures your program is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your goals.

Programs offered

  • BCH Gym

  • Falls Prevention

  • Remedial Gymnasium

  • PD Warrior Group

  • Stroke Group

  • Hydrotherapy

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

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Allied Health at BCH

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Allied Health at BCH

Services include cardiac health, chronic disease management counselling, diabetes education, dietetics, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, podiatry and paediatric speech pathology.

Ballarat Community Health provides high quality healthcare that is available to everyone. If you can’t afford to pay, you may be eligible for a government program that will cover or contribute to the cost of the service for you.

If you are employed and earning an income, you can still access our excellent services. Our prices are kept affordable to ensure everyone in our community can access the healthcare they need.

Allied Health Referral Form

Allied Health Referral Form

Services

  • Cardiac Health
  • Diabetes Education
  • Dietetics
  • Physiotherapy
  • Podiatry
  • Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counselling
  • Paedriatric Speech Pathology
  • Exercise Physiology

Fees

Ballarat Community Health offers a variety of funding options.

Fees for our services are based on your individual/household income (as per the Centrelink income test). Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a government subsidy that will contribute to the cost of the service. If you receive funding through NDIS, My Aged Care, Support At Home (Home Care Package) or are employed and earning an income, you can also access our services. We strive to keep our prices affordable to ensure everyone in our community can access the healthcare they need.

For more detailed information about fees, please refer to our Client Fee Schedule.

If you are employed and earning an income, you can still access our excellent services. Our prices are kept affordable to ensure everyone in our community can access the healthcare they need.

For more detailed information about fees, please refer to our Client Fee Schedule.

Client Fee Schedule

Contact us

To access services at Ballarat Community Health, contact via the customer service menu or call us on (03) 5338 4500.

For Health Professionals

GPs or health professionals wanting to refer a client to Ballarat Community Health please fax your referral to (03) 5336 1613 or email [email protected] We prefer referrals via ReferralNet – ReferralNet ID: urn:refnet:ballaratappt

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Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor

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Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor

Chronic diseases can impact every facet of a person’s life, causing a significant amount of stress upon the individual, families/carers. At Ballarat Community Health our Integrated Chronic Disease management Counsellor aims to assist individuals with chronic diseases. This service focuses on mental health and care management from a wellness and reablement perspective. This service can include counselling, support, health coaching and advocacy for individuals and families living with a chronic health condition (diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Heart Failure etc.).

The service can include assistance with

  • Mental Health Counselling
  • Psycho-Social Support
  • Behaviour change and goal setting
  • Stress management and enhancing wellbeing
  • Family and relationships issues
  • Grief and loss issues
  • Pain management
  • Learning about self-management principles
  • Psychosocial assessment
  • Illness and role adjustment
  • Secondary symptoms of chronic illness (e.g. low mood, worry, anger or sleep disturbance)
  • Socio-legal concerns and medical decision making

Our Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor service is offered at the Lucas site and enquires can be made by phoning us on (03) 5338 4500.

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