Care Finder is a free service funded by the Government via the primary health networks. It delivers a national, face-to-face network of care finders and exists to support vulnerable people – who have no one else who can support them – to learn about, apply for and set up support services. The aim is to support older Australians (who qualify) to remain living in their own homes longer, instead of moving into residential aged care.

Whether you’re living within Greater Dandenong, Casey or the Cardinia Shire, Care Finder Program may be able to assist

One of our team can meet with you either in your own home or at a community location, that is convenient for you. They will ask questions to understand the your situation and support you to work through the steps to address your needs.

Care Finder helps you with:

• Interacting with My Aged Care
• Accessing in home care services such as personal care, meals and social support
• Accessing other relevant supports in the community

If you qualify for the Care Finder program, you’ll be able to remain independent for longer.

Who qualifies for Care Finder?

To qualify for the Care Finder program through Mentis Assist you will need to be:

• aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) OR aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) on a low income and homeless or at risk of being homeless,
• living in the City of Greater Dandenong, Casey or Cardinia and
• unable to access aged care services on your own or have family or carers that can assist.

You may also have difficulty communicating because of language barriers, be reluctant to engage with aged care or the government, be in an unsafe situation if you do not receive services and/or find it difficult to understand information and make decisions.

How does Mentis Assist help?

We can assist you with the assessment process through My Aged Care and if you qualify, we can then help to set up services you need in your home, including personal care, meals, social supports, etc.

How to refer to Care Finder

Referring to Care Finder program is easy. Clients can be referred by health or community services, family or friends, or you can self-refer. If you would like any more information or some flyers, call us 03 5970 5000 or email the team carefinder@mentisassist.org.au and one of our friendly Care Finders will give you a call