Community Rehabilitation Centre
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology
Dietetics
District Nursing Service
Palliative Care
Social Work & Counselling Services
Adult Day Service
Continence
Early Intervention
Other services available
Contact details
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Community Rehabilitation Centre The Community Rehabilitation Centre (formerly known as the Day Therapy Centre), provides interdisciplinary rehabilitation services and community care to the shires of Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Goldfields. People can attend for specialised programs or individual treatment provided by a range of health practitioners. A small fee applies. Referrals are accepted from Rehabilitation or Acute units, General Practitioners, Health Professionals, other health facilities, self or family.
For further information about the Community Rehabilitation Centre contact:
Physiotherapists assist people suffering from musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. They use a range of techniques including manipulation, mobilisation, electrotherapy and exercise to correct muscle imbalance and restore normal function. Physiotherapists work in areas such as sports, rehabilitation, pregnancy and paediatrics. Podiatrists deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of foot and leg conditions. This is relevant to all age groups and may include such things as bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, sports injuries and flat feet. A podiatrist can offer advice on how to look after your feet and may prescribe special footwear or insoles to assist leg and foot movement. Occupational Therapists (O.T.'s) help people of all ages to achieve satisfaction with their daily living activities of leisure, work or independence. O.T.'s assist people in the development of the skills and resources to cope better with daily life, despite illness or disability. This can include innovative ways of doing things, ways to make the environment safer, aids and equipment advice. Driving Assessments. Therapy may be offered individually or in groups. Speech Pathologists help people of all ages to improve their communication by working on language development, voice, fluency and hearing problems. Communication difficulties may develop following surgery, strokes, head injuries or some other kind of trauma. Speech Pathologists work with both children and adults who have difficulties swallowing food and drink. Dietitians help people by developing appropriate eating plans and providing practical assistance for making changes to their diet and lifestyle. Dietitians can help people of all ages with eating problems due to illness or other physical, social or emotional reasons. The District Nursing Service aims to provide quality nursing for people in their own homes. It is staffed by experienced Registered Nurses and covers Mount Alexander Shire. Services provided include:
Referral can come from anyone in the community. Fees
'Palliative Care' is defined as a concept of care which provides co-ordinated medical, nursing and allied services for people who are terminally ill, delivered where possible in the environment of the person's choice, and which provides physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual support for patients and patients' families and friends. The provision of palliative care services includes grief and bereavement support for the family and other carers during the life of the patient, and continuing after death. Your GP is usually in an ideal position to provide palliative care, either in the home or hospital setting. Many people have a relationship with their GP which helps communication and understanding. Most GPs will do house calls for their own patients who are terminally ill and continue their care if admission to hospital is necessary. District Nursing Staff at Mt Alexander Hospital (see above) provide nursing care for terminally ill patients in their own homes. The District Nurse will assess the patient's and carers' needs at each visit, providing nursing care, support and advice. They will refer on to other members of the Palliative Care Team and other services (such as Home Help) when the need arises and can provide or assist with the organisation of equipment. The Acute Care Unit provides telephone advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 5471 1473. This is especially useful when the District Nursing Service or your GP cannot be contacted. The Mt Alexander Hospital Complementary Therapies Committee can offer information on therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. Further information can be obtained from Kirsten James or Jenny Kidd via the Nursing Directorate on 5471 1492. Palliative Care Support Service Social Work & Counselling Services The Social Worker, within the Welfare Department of the Mt Alexander Hospital provides the following services: Counselling and Assessment
Advocacy
The Adult Day Service provides Planned Activity Groups and Respite for Carers in the form of The Alexander Club, The Out & Out Club and respite holidays. Trained staff and volunteers are there to assist. The Clubs provides a regular opportunity for meeting peers, enjoying a drive, conversation, an activity, reminiscence, a 'home-cooked' meal and regular outings. The HACC target group encompasses frail older people, people with dementia and people with a disability of all ages; also geographical, social or cultural isolation. They may or may not need assistance with personal care, and to participate in activities. Financial disadvantage should not prevent access, as fees can be negoiated. HACC Planned Activity Groups aim 'to maintain an individual's ability to live at home and in the community, by providing a planned program of activities directed at enhancing the skills required for daily living and providing physical, intellectual, emotional and social stimulation. They also provide opportunities for social interaction as well as respite and support for carers' (Victorian HACC Manual 2003). Respite for carers is aimed at providing useful centre-based respite on a regular basis. Initial assessment for eligibility is required, and to discuss any specific needs.
Funding for the Adult Day Service comes from the following sources: The Home and Community Care Program ( HACC ) for Planned Activity Groups (formerly ADASS) and Respite - Overnight. National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) to provide centre-based respite for carers, particularly to meet the needs of those caring for a person with dementia and also respite for employed carers. Community Care Options - to integrate people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) into Planned Activity Groups, or to provide ABI specific Planned Activity Groups. Carer Support Services for Dementia specific respite programs. 
The Continence Service is provided by a Clinical Nurse Consultant - Continence Adviser and Continence Physiotherapist. They are available to provide an assessment and confidential service for both men and women at home or in the Community Rehabilitation Centre. They can help you better understand your problem and advise you on management options. Provide treatment including pelvic floor muscle re-education and bladder training and give you information on continence aids (such as pads and catheters) and purchase options. 
MaC ECIP (Mt Alexander and Central Goldfields Early Childhood Intervention Programme) provides services for the families living in the shire of Mt Alexander and Central Goldfields who have a child under school age, with a developmental delay or disability. MaC ECIP provides families with information and support that aims to assist them to make informed decisions about their own needs. MaC ECIP offers a range of services, including home visits, playgroups, individual therapy, parent groups, support for childcare centres, kindergartens and support during transition to school. For information and/or referrals please contact Michele Totterdell on 5471 1630 or by e-mail macecip@mtalexhosp.vic.gov.au
Community Services contact details: For further information contact:
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Hygiene assistance