Doctors are often the first point of contact for frail aged people and people with a disability who are experiencing difficulties with daily tasks. It is important that doctors have good knowledge about what Home & Community Care (HACC) services can provide and can contact HACC services.
A key strategy of the Eastern Sydney HACC Forum is to work with doctors to improve knowledge of community services available in Eastern Sydney, to improve information for non - English speaking clients in relation to medicines and health care, and to identify hidden carers.
Resources
Doctors can refer frail aged people and people with a disability and their carers directly to any service listed on this website in the Service types section. This section also contains information about services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and for Aboriginal people.
Another important place where a comprehensive assessment of people's needs can be arranged is the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT). To contact an ACAT in Eastern Sydney click on ACAT.
You can download a PDF copy of the Eastern Sydney HACC brochure or to request
printed copies of the brochure contact
the HACCDO.
Important information about eligibility, assessment processes and the availability of services is provided at About HACC and How to get a service.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
Doctors can have free access to telephone interpreters through the Commonwealth Translating and Interpreter Service's Doctor's Priority Line, phone 1300 131 450. This service is available to Doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Which doctors and patients are eligible?
Any doctor that meets the following criteria can use the service:
- the consultation must be claimable under Medicare (excluding treatment covered by compensation cases);
- the doctor must be consulting as a medical practitioner in private practice;
- the service must be provided to a permanent resident or Australian citizen who does not speak English.
How does it work?
The Doctor telephones 1300 131 450. A TIS operator will then give the
call priority and connect with an interpreter immediately. Doctors will be
asked
for a name and Medicare provider number.
Pre-booked telephone interpreting services can also be arranged using
the 1300 131 450 number.
For further information and points on using the line go to TIS Doctors Priority Line
Caring about Carers Project
Carers don’t always identify themselves as carers. Carers often see themselves
as a husband, wife, daughter, son, neighbour or friend. By not identifying themselves as a carer, many people do not access support
services available to them.
Support services can help to relieve the pressure that caring can place on
people. By caring for carers we can help them stay well.
Why is it so important for doctors and support services to care about carers?
Carers are twice as likely to suffer from poor health compared to non carers
(Carers UK, December 2004).
The cause of carers’ poor health is often due to a lack of information
and support.
Many carers do not know of the services that are available to them.
Doctors and Pharmacists are often are key point of contact and support for
carers.
Carers who are supported by a strong network of support have better health
than those carers who have limited or no support.
The Eastern Sydney Carer Information Service is a cost free service aimed
at complimenting the work that doctors are already doing.
The service can:
- Provide up to date information on services for carers
- Provide resources for the workplace
- Provide individual support and advocacy for carers
- Link carers to appropriate services
- Provide a contact person to focus on carers needs
Services that carers can access:
- Home and Community Care services
- Care groups
- Respite and day centres
- Training and information sessions on specific needs
For further information contact the Carer Information Officer on 9302 3600 or to view other useful contacts for Carers go to the Carers section on the links page
