Charles Sturt is...caring for the community.

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Although funding for this program has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily

represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.

Contents

Home Maintenance, Safety and Security Program ............................................... 3

Gardening Services ........................................... 5

Cleaning Services .............................................. 7

Shopping Services ............................................. 9

Social Activities .................................................. 11

Respite Services .................................................. 15

Active Ageing and Wellbeing ...................... 16

Other Council Services .................................... 18

Fees and Charges............................................... 20

Your Rights and Responsibilities ................. 21

Compliments, Suggestions or Complaints ..................................................... 24

1The City of Charles Sturt Community Care team receives funding from the Commonwealth Government to provide the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). The CHSP provides entry level support services for older people and their carers.

This funded program assists residents:• to remain living independently in

their own home and community;

• maintain their quality of life and wellbeing;

• avoid early admission into a residential aged care facility.

To access this support, you will first need to register with My Aged Care and may also need a home assessment. My Aged Care can help you decide what level of support you need and refer you to an agency.

You can request which agency you are referred to. If you would like to access a City of Charles Sturt Community Care team service, please let My Aged Care know. My Aged Care will give you a reference number which you can store here for convenience.

My Aged Care Reference number is To contact

My Aged Care call 1800 200 422 or visit

www.myagedcare.gov.au

2The Community Care team can also provide limited services for younger people with a disability. These services are funded through the South Australian HACC program and can be accessed directly through the Council.

All services are subject to funding, eligibility and availability.

To find out more please contact the

City of Charles Sturt on 8408 1529.

3

Home Maintenance, Safety and Security ProgramThe Home Maintenance and Security program provides minor maintenance, modifications and basic security services to assist eligible residents to maintain their homes e.g. light globes, tap washers, magnetic door catches, grab rails, key guards.

Our own friendly handyperson or contractors deliver these services. Some work may require an assessment before work can commence.

Assistance with Council’s hard waste removal is also available.

For further information please contact the

City of Charles Sturt on 8408 1529.

4If you require a service beyond the scope of our program and you need to book a tradesperson, consider checking the following:

• Have they had a police check?

• Do they have insurance?

• Do they have an appropriate license?

To check whether a person is appropriately licensed or to find a licensed tradesperson in your local area visit the licensing Public Register at www.cbs.sa.gov.au or contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882.

5

Gardening Services

Home Gardening Provides an annual basic pruning service for eligible residents. This work may be carried out by our Home Maintenance workers or referred to a gardening contractor.

Height limitations apply to all pruning work including trees, shrubs or hedges.

The Home Gardening Program also includes a basic annual yard clean up for eligible clients. This may include annual rubbish removal (green and hard waste), gutter cleaning, and poisoning of weeds.

If you have an area in your garden which poses a safety and security risk or a health hazard e.g. a dangerous tree or overhanging branches obstructing windows or pathways, Council may be able to assist.

6

For further information about the Easy Gardens program

please contact the program coordinator

on 8408 1549.

Volunteer Gardening ProgramProvides an annual gardening service to eligible residents who are unable to maintain their home garden. Volunteer gardening can include basic duties such as rose pruning, mulching, light trimming of shrubs, small trees and hedges (height limits apply) Volunteers can also assist with re-potting of plants, mulching of garden beds, raking of leaves, de-cobwebbing outdoor areas and washing down roller shutters. Possible gardening options are discussed during an assessment.

Easy GardensThe Easy Gardens program provides a once-off garden modification service to help eligible residents maintain their homes and provide safer, more sustainable outdoor living surrounds.

Approved contractors, volunteer groups or other organisations are assigned to undertake the work. A client contribution is negotiated and all works agreed with prior to work commencing. Current funding allows assistance for approximately 40 clients per year and a waiting list applies.

For further information on volunteer gardening

services please phone 8408 1532.

7Cleaning Services

Short Term CleaningShort term cleaning assistance is an interim support service provided to eligible residents who are temporarily unable to maintain their own homes independently or can not perform essential household tasks and who:

• Have recently been discharged from hospital;

• Have recently experienced a significant change in circumstance e.g. loss of a carer.

The short term cleaning service is limited to a total of 12 hours of assistance. The service includes vacuuming, mopping of floors and cleaning of the bathroom, kitchen and toilet areas and assistance to hang out laundry or changing bed linen.

Residents are required to provide their own equipment and cleaning materials.

Ongoing CleaningThe ongoing cleaning service provides a fortnightly basic cleaning service to eligible residents that may include vacuuming, mopping of floors and cleaning of the bathroom, kitchen and toilet areas and assistance to hang out laundry or changing bed linen.

For further information on cleaning

services please phone 8408 1529.

8

For further information on cleaning

services please phone 8408 1529.

Residents are required to provide their own equipment and cleaning materials.

Spring CleaningResidents may be eligible for a spring clean of up to six hours to be taken in one block (annual service only). This service aims to assist residents with heavier cleaning and may include window washing, cleaning tops of cupboards, cupboard doors, light fittings and window sills, vacuuming and mopping, dusting high places, ceiling and exhaust fans, and cob webbing.

9Shopping Services

Community BusWe provide air conditioned transport for grocery shopping to eligible residents living in the City of Charles Sturt. The Community Bus provides:• regular fortnightly services;• collection from your front door;• transport to and from local

shopping centres and community centres;

• volunteer driver assistance with shopping bags; and

• steps and handrails in the buses for easy access.

This service is designed to support people who area unable to access normal public transport and unable to drive.You need to be able to get in and out of the bus safely and without assistance.The Community Bus visits the following shopping centres:• Welland• Kilkenny/Arndale• West Lakes• Fulham Gardens• Findon

For further information, contact

the Community Transport Coordinator

on 8408 1369.

10

Shopping AssistanceThe shopping program provides a fortnightly shopping service which can include taking eligible residents to their local shops to assist with grocery shopping, bill paying, the chemist and banking.For people who are too frail or unwell we can also arrange a shopping list service. This service is designed to assist residents who:• Have limited mobility and are

experiencing difficulty managing their shopping;

• Are unable to access the community bus service or other public transport services;

• Have limited family support to assist with shopping.

For more information please contact the

Home Support Coordinator

on 8408 1367.

11

Social ActivitiesCouncil provides a variety of centre based day programs. These activities include, but are not limited to:• Craft, games, painting, bingo• Exercises• Lunch• Guest speakers and entertainmentThese programs offer a great opportunity for people to build friendships, socialise with others and learn new skills and information.Eligible residents can access the Community Bus to attend the following centres: • Henley Community Centre• Cheltenham Community Centre

For further information please

contact the Social Participation Officer

on 8408 1279.

12Sages- Arch Paterson Community Centre Sages Day Activity Program operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 2.30pm and Thursday’s Friendship group 10.00am – 2.00pm Activities include:

• Bowls, cards, bingo, Rummikub• Painting, craft• Chair based exercises• Guest speakers and entertainment• Lunch is provided

Seaton North Neighbourhood CentreThe Seaton North Neighbourhood Centre operates at 15 Cairns Avenue, Seaton North. A friendship group for people in the Community who are aged meets on Mondays from 11.00am – 3.00pm. Participants bring a lunch and share a meal together, play cards and Rummikub.

Cheltenham Community CentreIs located at 62 Stroud Street North, Cheltenham. There are a range of activities including:• Craft, games• Guest speakers • Lunch available

For further information please

contact the Social Participation Officer

on 8408 1279.

For further information

please contact the Socialisation Officer

on 8408 1355.

For further information

please contact the Socialisation Officer

on 8408 1355.

13

Henley & Grange Community Centre The Henley & Grange Community Centre operates Monday to Friday at 196a Military Road, Henley Beach. Depending on your interests and mobility there are a range of activities to choose from:

• Cards, games, craft and painting• Bowls, pool table• Yoga and dancing, • Gentle exercises and walking

groups• A hot midday meal

(Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays)

For further information please

contact the Social Participation Officer

on 8408 1279.

14

Around Town and Men on the Move Social ProgramsAround Town and Men on the Move are social programs for active independent people who are 75 years of age and over. These programs provide an opportunity to go out into the community and socialise with others with similar interests.

Getting Out & AboutThe Getting Out & About program provides assistance to older residents experiencing difficulty accessing social activities.

Transport assistance may be provided to attend Church, local clubs and community based day centre activities and programs of their choice within the City of Charles Sturt.

For further information please

contact the Social Participation Officer

on 8408 1279.

For further information

please contact the Socialisation Officer

on 8408 1355.

15Friendly Visiting ProgramThe Friendly Visiting Program provides an opportunity for socially isolated residents to reconnect with the community, giving individuals the opportunity to improve their quality of life through companionship and support.

Staff or volunteers are matched together with residents who have similar interests to spend some quality time together.

Respite ServicesCouncil provides a flexible respite program to residents who are over 65 and being cared for at home by a carer.

The service is designed to allow carers to have time out while providing their loved one in-home care or the opportunity to participate in an activity that can be personalised to meet their needs.

Please note that the carer does not have to be a registered carer to be eligible.

For further information please contact the Respite

and Socialisation Coordinator

on 8408 1846.

For further information please contact the Respite

and Socialisation Officer on 8408 1846.

16Active Ageing and Wellbeing

PERMA + Workshops So what is PERMA +?

Have you ever wondered why some people are able to maintain a sense of happiness in spite of health issues and other challenges? Or why some people see the glass half-full and others the glass half-empty?

PERMA + is described in the following way:

• Positive Emotion• Engagement• Relationships• Meaning• Accomplishment

Plus

• Physical Fitness• Nutrition• Sleep• Community Connectedness

Each of these contributes to a strong sustained sense of wellbeing.

The City of Charles Sturt has developed a new 6 – 8 week program where trained staff are able to support older residents to access information about building resilience and supporting participants to put this into practice.

If you are interested in learning more or in

participating in the PERMA workshops

please contact Team Leader - Community

Care 8408 1373.

17

Companion Animal Project We all know our dogs are special to us and studies confirm that pets greatly increase the quality of life for people by providing companionship, comfort and social connections but did you know there is also research that has linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater longevity.

The City of Charles Sturt has recently introduced a new and exciting program called The Companion Animal Project. This project connects volunteers with ageing residents who care for their dog, but are no longer able to walk them as often as they would like.

Chair Based Tai ChiChair based Tai Chi is a gentle exercise aimed at improving balance, breathing and blood flow. Come and join us for chair Tai Chi followed by morning tea and a chat, Thursdays 10.00am – 12.00pm.

For further information please

contact the Social Participation Officer

on 8408 1279.

If you are interested in this program and

would like to have some assistance or

would like to Volunteer and help someone

else in the community, please contact the

Community Care Team on 8408 1111 to find

out more information.

18

Other Council Services

Community Bus Charter HireCouncil’s Community Buses are available for limited hire by “not for profit” community groups who are located within the City of Charles Sturt, and whose members are not able to access public transport due to their age or disability and are unable to pay for commercial bus hire due to financial incapacity.

Community Visitors SchemeCity of Charles Sturt receives funding to support volunteers to access residential facilities and provide companionship and social connections to persons who are now in permanent care. Volunteers are matched with residents who have similar interests.

For more information contact the

Community Transport Coordinator

on 8408 1369.

To find out more about volunteering for this

service please contact the Coordinator on

8408 1846 or the Volunteer Service

Development Officer on 8408 1828.

19

For further information please

contact the Library on 8408 1333 or library@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

For more information, or to report graffiti please contact the

Customer Service Desk on 8408 1111.

Home LibraryThe Home Library is an extension of the Charles Sturt Library Service, is free of charge and is for those who are unable to visit our library locations due to medical circumstances, difficulties associated with age, frailty or disability.

A home library customer is visited on a monthly basis by volunteers who are carefully matched with each of our customers who then work together to select and then deliver library items.

There is a wide selection to choose from including books, large print material, DVD’s, CD’s, audio books, magazines, print alternatives and adaptive technologies.

Graffiti RemovalCouncil can also assist people in the City of Charles Sturt to remove graffiti from their properties. A volunteer service can visit your property and attend to removal or painting over of tags.

20

Fees and ChargesResidents are normally asked to pay for the cost of materials and a contribution towards the cost of Commonwealth Home Support Program services provided. Residents will not be refused services if they are assessed as being unable to pay or are financially disadvantaged. Alternative fee options may be negotiated. A copy of Council’s Fees and Charges Register is available on request.

21Your Rights and Responsibilities

RightsAs a Commonwealth Home Support Program client or carer you have the right to:

• privacy and confidentiality;

• be informed and choose from available services;

• be assessed without discrimination;

• suggest changes or improvements to services received;

• make a complaint about a service without retribution;

• involve an advocate of your choice (ie family member, power of attorney or a friend);

• request access to your personal records;

• have your personal information stored in a private and confidential manner;

• withdraw your consent to the release of your personal information at any time.

22ResponsibilitiesAs a CHSP client or carer you have a

responsibility to:• inform us if you are unwell or

unavailable to receive a service in sufficient time for the service to be cancelled;

• advise us if your needs or circumstances have significantly changed;

• treat staff, volunteers and other clients with respect;

• ensure your own safety and that of others is protected.

Privacy and Confidentiality• Information collected and recorded

by the Council remains private and confidential;

• Statistical data is confidently shared with our funding bodies;

• Residents can assess their personal records with prior arrangement;

• No personal records shall be released without consent from the client or their approved representative or advocate.

23Providing a Safe and Secure EnvironmentClients must provide a safe working environment for our workers and volunteers. For example aggressive pets must be restrained and work areas must be free from cigarette smoke.

AdvocacyYou have the right to involve an advocate of your choice. You may wish to ask a relative or friend to represent your wishes and support you or contact the following agencies for advice:

• Aged Rights Advocacy Services (ARAS) Phone: 8232 5377 aras@agedrights.asn.au

• Disability Complaints Service Phone: 8234 5699 www.dacssa.org.au

24Compliments, Suggestions or ComplaintsWe rely on your feedback to improve our services, so if you like the way a particular service is provided we would appreciate you telling us.

If you are not happy with a service you receive from Council please contact us to discuss your concerns or make a complaint.

You may not be the only person to benefit from changes resulting from your complaint as it may result in the improvement of services for everyone. Your ability to access services in the future will not be affected by making a complaint or suggestion.

Suggestions and complaints will be dealt with confidentially and you will be consulted before any changes are made to the service you receive.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, you or your advocate may appeal against a decision by writing to:

Manager Customer & Community Services City of Charles Sturt PO Box 1 Woodville SA 5011

To make a compliment, suggestion or

complaint contact:Team Leader

Community Care on 8408 1373.

25Notes

26Notes

City of Charles Sturt72 Woodville Road Woodville SA 5011

P 08 8408 1111F 08 8408 1122E council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au