Services & Support

Elderly lady in cafe with support worker

The Colac Otway Shire OPASS team can organise services and support that helps you live independently in your own home for as long as you can. Your home care support requirements will be developed with you.

Visit our Eligibility & Assessment page to determine if you are eligible for particular services.

Further information about Home Care Packages can be found here.

Food Services

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Food services are available to assist people who find it difficult to prepare regular meals at home. We are able to provide a range of meal options to support your nutritional requirements.

Food services options include:

  • Delivered meals include a three-course meal of soup, main meal dessert and fruit juice, tailored to your individual requirements.
  • In-home meal preparation.
  • In-home meal preparation may be arranged as part of a personal care service.
  • Community based meals.

A lunchtime meal is available on Wednesday at Kanyana Senior Citizens' Centre, Hesse St, Colac.

Home Care

Senior lady dusting crystal cabinet  

Home care services assist you with everyday household tasks that you are unable to manage by yourself or with the assistance of your carer or family.

Tasks that may be supported include:

  • Floor surfaces - sweeping, mopping and vacuuming
  • Bathroom facilities - shower, bath, toilet, basins and commodes
  • Kitchen surfaces - sinks and bench tops 
  • Laundry, making beds, limited ironing, washing
  • Preparation and/or cooking of meals 
  • Shopping
  • Bill paying

Personal Care

Support staff assist older lady unpack shopping  

Personal care provides support to assist and encourage you with a variety of self-care tasks.

Tasks that may be supported include:

  • Showering and bathing 
  • Dressing
  • Grooming, hair care, shaving
  • Toileting and continence
  • Meal preparation 
  • Fitting of aids and equipment (callipers, pressure stockings, hearing aids) 
  • Monitoring and prompting with medication (pharmacy webster pack only)
  • Activities of daily living - shopping, banking, bill paying
  • Social activities

Property Maintenance

Property-maintenance-rails.jpg This service provides minor modification and maintenance to assist clients to maintain a safe home environment.

Modifications

Modifications may include:

  • Installation of handrails
  • Installation of hand-held showers
  • Ramps and steps
  • Adjustment of chair or bed height

Maintenance

Maintenance may include:

  • Minor repairs
  • Minor plumbing.
  • Gutter/spouts cleaning. 
  • Smoke detector/battery checks and replacements. 
  • Essential garden maintenance

Respite Care

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Respite care services provide in-home and out of home support to give carers a break from their caring role.

We encourage you to discuss your individual respite care needs with us.

Respite care services are usually provided at regular times.

Centre-based support is also available.

Respite may be arranged on an ad hoc or emergency basis.

Transport

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Transport provides frail older people with access to transport services that support their access to the community.

We can assist with local and regional transport support to:

  • Specialist medical appointments
  • Rehabilitation
  • Kanyana Seniors’ lunch
  • Adult day activities

Find out more about other transport options in the Colac Otway Shire here.