The Grampians Sector Development Team work with funded Community Care providers – Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home And Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) to support change management, the sharing of good practice and encourage inclusive access and person centred care.
Ballarat Community Health is the auspice agency for the Grampians Sector Development Team.
The aims of the Sector Development Team
To provide support to CHSP service providers, through the aged care reforms, operate effectively in line with the objectives of the CHSP and within the context of the broader aged care system across Australia.
To provide support to HACC PYP service providers across the Grampians region and ACCOs within the Barwon-Southwest region.
Our multi-disciplinary team, combines care navigation, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, dietetics and counselling to create a holistic care approach.
During the 6-month program our team will work with you to create a personalised care plan and support you to achieve your health goals.
This program is also well suited to those managing a chronic health condition and looking to complement the care you already have.
Through the program, you may be assisted to access and learn more about aged-care services and also connect with a range of supports.
If you would like to be a participant in the Seniors Lifestyle Victoria Program complete and submit the program referral form or get in touch via phone.
Physiotherapy or gentle physical activity programs
Nutrition and healthy eating support
Falls prevention and strength building activities
Social groups, programs, and community activities
The Team
Care Navigators
Exercise Physiology
Physiotherapy
Counselling
Dietetics
Who can use this service?
Aged 65 and over, or 50 years and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
People living in the community (not in aged care).
People with mild to moderate changes in health who would like support to improve their health and wellbeing.
Where is this service available?
The Seniors Lifestyle Program is provided by staff at Ballarat Community Health’s Lucas site, 12 Lilburne Street Lucas, Vic 3350. Participants can be seen at Lucas and contacted by phone. Further follow up and support can be undertaken face to face, by phone or telehealth.
Resources
Nutrition Australia
It’s important to maintain healthy eating habits as you get older.
The 24-hour movement guidelines for adults, older adults, people with disability and people with chronic conditions and provides ideas on what you can do to be active every day.
Starting Solids is designed for parents in the Ballarat region, facilitated by a dietitian and Maternal & Child Health Nurse for babies between 5-9 months. Ideal to attend once your baby has started some solid foods.
Parents will learn valuable information to confidently start their little one on their food journey.
Free Parent Information Sessions
Introducing allergens
Managing fussy eating
Creating positive meal times
Parent health and wellbeing
These free information sessions are provided by Ballarat Community Health in partnership with the City of Ballarat Maternal & Child Health Service. The sessions commence in January 2026 and are held monthly at alternating locations, Lucas Community Hub and Alfredton Djila-tjarriu Community Hub.
Parents find these sessions valuable for connecting socially with other parents and gaining confidence feeding their little ones. Book early to secure sessions.
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.
Sexual and reproductive health are important to our overall health. We offer confidential and respectful services for everyone. A trusted space for you to talk to our experienced Sexual Health Nurses and GPs to find the right care for you.
We can support you with contraception or STI tests and screenings, and provide support on periods, termination of pregnancy, menopause and other sexual health and reproductive health concerns. Our highly skilled team are here to support you when you need.
If you’re not sure about where to start or just need some advice, book some time for a chat with one of our Sexual Health Nurses who can guide you and support your sexual health journey. If you know what you need you can just book our Sexual Health GPs or Nurse Practitioner directly.
Contact
Phone (03) 5338 4541
Fax (03) 5336 1613
HealthLink ID ballarcm
Our Locations
Sexual Health GPs
Nurse Practitioner
Sexual Health Nurses
Payment Information
Non-attendance and Cancellation Policy
FAQs
Health literacy refers to how well you can understand and use health related information to make decisions. You can refer to the list below for plain language explanations for some terms used in sexual and reproductive health settings.
Ballarat Community Health can support you to quit smoking or vaping. Make an appointment that best suits you. Call BCH to talk to a Customer Service Officer to discuss your options.
Contact
Contact a Customer Service Officer
Phone (03) 5338 4500
GP Clinics
The GP clinic can provide support, advice, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) if appropriate to help people to quit smoking or vaping for all ages.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Nurse Practitioner Clinic
The AOD Nurse Practitioner (NP) clinic specialises in alcohol and other drug treatments and can talk to you about your smoking or vaping concerns. Smoking is often associated with other substance use, so our Nurse Practitioners can support you with either. They can also prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) if required.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Services
The Alcohol and Other Drug Services are free and can provide support for people aged 12-25 years. The Youth Outreach Workers can support you to quit smoking or vaping and can meet with you in a community setting.
Contact QUIT Victoria
Wherever you are on your quitting journey, QUIT can help you to quit smoking or vaping. Feel free to contact QUIT by either calling, webchat, SMS or Messenger. QUIT also offer specialised services for young people.
Download My Quit Buddy to help keep you on track if you want to quit smoking or vaping. My Quit Buddy App
QUIT Vaping Hub
Information on the health and safety risks of e-cigarettes. Also information for parents and teachers on how to talk to teens about vaping. Get the facts
VicHealth Vaping Quick Facts
A world-first health promotion foundation, VicHealth focuses on promoting good health and preventing chronic disease. Information on vapes, why they are dangerous and what you can do about it.Vaping Quick Facts
Uncloud
A warning by young people to young people about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction. This is our Warning
Every Vape is a Hit to Your Health
Campaign from NSW Cancer Institute encourages young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping such as nicotine addiction, lung damage, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes. Every Vape is a Hit to Your Health
Tobacco in Australia
Facts and Stats by The Cancer Council Victoria, from comprehensive reviews of Asutralian and international research on tobacco use and policy, including e-cigarettes. Tobacco in Australia
Ballarat Community Health provide Home Care Package Management (transitioned to Support at Home on 1 November 2025). As a recognised local, not-for-profit provider, we prioritise your wellbeing with a community-first approach. You’ll be supported by our experienced staff who specialise in home-care package management.
Helping you stay independent for longer
We’re committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality care tailored to your specific needs. We ensure seamless continuity of care from BCH healthcare settings, providing consistent and coordinated support throughout your care journey.
Our personalised care management approach, led by dedicated case managers, addresses your individual needs and preferences.
We maintain regular communication and commit to frequent face-to-face meetings with clients and their families, offering frequent check-ins and updates. Our commitment to a supportive and trustworthy service is underscored by transparent practices, reliable service, and empathetic interactions.
Services
Around your home
House cleaning
Laundry/ironing
Spring cleaning
Decluttering
Gardening/yard cleaning
Home maintenance
Your safety at home
Safety pendants
Home modifications (ramps, rails, visual alarms)
Mobility aids
In your kitchen
Groceries
Meal preparation
Nutritional information
Dietary supplements
Home delivered meals
Personal care
Bathing and showering
Grooming and personal care
Personal products
Continence care and aids
Dressing and undressing
Clinical care /allied health
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Exercise physiology
Occupational therapy
Nursing
Dietetics
Getting active
Exercise assistance at home
Walking companion
Transport and accompaniment to classes
Stretching and mobility assistance
Transport
Transport and/or accompaniment to
Appointments
Shopping trips
Social outings
Community or religious events
Social support
Company at home doing things you enjoy – baking, games, crafts etc.
We’re committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality care tailored to your specific needs. We ensure seamless continuity of care from BCH healthcare settings, providing consistent and coordinated support throughout your care journey.
Our personalised care management approach, led by dedicated case managers, addresses your individual needs and preferences.
What is the Support at Home program and what does it replace?
Support at Home is a new in-home aged care program that commenced on 1 November 2025. It replaces the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. This program is designed to provide coordinated care and services to meet the assessed ageing-related care needs of eligible older people. The program officially replaces the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
How do I access funding and determine my eligibility for Support at Home?
Access to funded aged care services begins by registering with My Aged Care. You will participate in an aged care assessment, which determines your eligibility for ongoing and/or short-term services. Following the assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision and a Support Plan outlining your approved funding classification, recommended services, and identified needs and goals.
What types of services are included in the Support at Home program?
Funded aged care services under Support at Home are grouped into three main categories:
1. Clinical Supports: Includes specialized services like nursing care, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
2. Independence: Covers support for daily living activities such as personal care, social support, community engagement, respite care, and transport.
3. Everyday Living: Provides support for domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and meals.
The specific services you are eligible to receive are determined by your assessed needs and outlined in your Notice of Decision and support plan.
How is my Support at Home budget managed and what happens to unspent funds?
Your funding is allocated based on your approved classification and is generally divided into a quarterly budget. Ten percent (10%) of your quarterly budget for ongoing services is automatically deducted and pooled into a care management account held by Services Australia, which the provider uses flexibly for care management activities across all participants in that service branch.
If your quarterly budget is not fully utilized, the unspent amount can carry over to the next quarter, up to a maximum limit of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever amount is higher.
Do I have to contribute financially to my Support at Home services?
You may be required to pay participant contributions, which are based on an assessment of your income and assets completed by Services Australia.
Clinical Supports (e.g., nursing, allied health) have a contribution rate of 0% and are fully funded by the government.
Independence and Everyday Living services may require a contribution based on your assessment.
If you face genuine financial hardship and cannot afford your contributions, your provider can assist you in applying for the Fee Reduction Supplement through Services Australia.
What does Care Management involve and how frequently will it occur?
Care management is a mandatory ongoing core service delivered by your Support at Home provider through a staff member known as a care partner. The activities involve initial and ongoing coordination, care planning, service management, budget review, and monitoring.
Your provider must deliver at least one direct care management activity (minimum 15 minutes) to you every month. Care partners should review and update your care plan at least once every 12 months, or sooner if your needs or circumstances change.
What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?
The AT-HM scheme is one of the three short-term classifications, providing separate funding tiers for older people who need equipment, products, and home modifications to increase independence and safety at home. This funding is separate from your budget for ongoing Support at Home services. Examples of items include mobility equipment (like wheelchairs and walking frames) and modifications (like grab rails and ramps).
What is end-of-life pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a short-term classification designed to support participants who have been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live and meet the eligibility criteria. This pathway provides a one-off budget of $25,000 over a 12-week period (with potential access to funds up to 16 weeks), enabling access to approved services from the Support at Home service list to complement palliative care services.
How quickly must I start services once my funding is allocated?
Once your funding (including interim funding) is allocated, you have 56 calendar days to find a provider and enter into a service agreement. You can contact My Aged Care to request an extension of 28 days, giving you a total of 84 calendar days. If you do not enter into a service agreement within this timeframe, your funding for that classification will be withdrawn.
Can I change providers or stop my services temporarily?
Yes, you can change Support at Home providers at any time. You should inform your outgoing provider of your decision and agree on an exit date to ensure continuity of care and appropriate transfer of records.
There are no formal leave arrangements under Support at Home for temporarily stopping services. However, if services are stopped temporarily, your quarterly budget continues to be credited. Be aware that your funding will be reduced to zero and reallocated if a total of four consecutive quarters (one year) pass since the end of the quarter from when the last service was delivered.
How long can I stop receiving services before my funding is withdrawn?
There are no formal leave arrangements under Support at Home. Your funding remains allocated while services are stopped, and your quarterly budget continues to be credited (though carryover limits apply). However, your funding will be reduced to zero and reallocated if a total of four consecutive quarters (one year) pass since the end of the quarter in which the last service was delivered.
How does the planning process differ if I access the Restorative Care Pathway?
The Restorative Care Pathway provides intensive, short-term care (up to 16 weeks) focused on regaining function. For this pathway, a detailed Goal Plan is mandatory and replaces the standard Care Plan required for ongoing services. The Goal Plan must identify specific, measurable goals achievable within the 16-week episode, supported by clinical services, and includes frequent progress reviews. An Exit Plan must also be completed by the restorative care partner to determine necessary next steps or ongoing support once the episode concludes.
What documents will I receive outlining my services and expenditure?
You will receive several documents detailing your approved care and funding:
I. Notice of Decision: Received after assessment, outlining your approved classification and services.
II. Service Agreement: Entered into with the provider before services commence, detailing the price, scope, and terms of service delivery.
III. Individualised Budget: Developed in partnership with the provider, detailing government funding, supplements, costs of each service, and contributions.
IV. Monthly Statement: Must be issued no later than the last day of the following calendar month (e.g., the January statement must be issued by February 28th). This statement details the available funding, services delivered, contributions paid, and remaining budget.
