Health and wellbeing

Allied health

Allied health is a term used to describe the range of health professionals involved in your care who do not fit into the category of doctors, dentists or nurses. Services can vary by availability and location, however they broadly include:

• health education programs for you and your carer
• assessment and advice about equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility aids and communication aids
• podiatry, occupational therapy, nutrition advice and physiotherapy appointments in your own home or in the community, to promote an active lifestyle.

Care advisory services

Organising and managing your own care can be difficult. Our care advisory services help you get your care started and ensure it is well coordinated along the way. We take a dedicated and comprehensive approach to every aspect of your care — including how it is organised and provided. Care advisory means:

• working with you to develop and set your goals
• supporting you to be active in care planning, to make informed and involved choices about your care
• researching, recommending and booking services suited to your needs
• ongoing access to skilled care advisors over the phone or in person to assist you with further information and referrals.

As an approved provider, we can also help you receive equipment or services from other organisations in addition to your Mercy Health services.

Memory support

If you are experiencing any kind of behavioural changes or other difficulties associated with memory loss, we can help with:

• memory enhancement strategies and reminiscence therapy
• carer support and advocacy
• linking you into specialist memory support groups and activities in your local community
• specialised respite care in your home or the community.

Nursing

With qualified nurses available, we can offer clinical assistance in your home or workplace.

Our community nursing service supports people living in the North West (Parkville and surrounds) and East (Hughesdale and surrounds) of Melbourne, and Geelong and the surrounding areas.

Our skilled and professional nurses can assist you with:

• taking and managing your medication
• care of wounds or sores
• managing pain or soreness
• managing and monitoring medical conditions such as diabetes and long-term lung conditions.

View our community nursing brochure here.

Nursing services are available through government-funded programs including the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (some areas only), Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Home Care Packages, NDIS or on a private fee-paying basis.

General wellness

We are dedicated to helping you live well. Wellbeing is linked to your ongoing involvement in activities you enjoy. We can help you by:

• organising social outings to connect with other people in the community, or spending time with you doing things you enjoy at home
• going out for coffee or lunch, visiting friends and family, going to the movies or the theatre, weddings and parties
• encouraging participation in your hobbies (for example, scrapbooking, sewing, baking, reading, gardening, flower arranging, playing or listening to music, walking and exercising)
• arranging bowling, Tai Chi, hydrotherapy and exercise activities.

Specialised support

Specialised health and wellbeing support services can include:

• help returning home and settling in after a visit to hospital
• disability support
• palliative care.

How to access services

You can choose services on their own or bundled together to help you live a healthy lifestyle. We are here to help in any way you need. If you would like to talk things through, give us a call on 1300 478 776.

You may be able to access services through a government-subsidised Home Care Package.

Learn more about Home Care Packages.

You may be eligible for other government funding options, and you can always purchase services immediately with your own money.

Learn more about alternative funding options.