Aged Care Local Support Co-ordinator

The Local Support Co-ordinator assists aged persons, especially those who do not currently access services, to identify their own needs, plan ahead and take action so they may participate in everyday community life and pursue their goals with the support of family and friends.

The Local Support Co-ordinator (LSC) works at an individual, family and community level by providing information and facilitating community development. The program is funded through the Home and Community Care Program through the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

Target Group:

The target group of the LSC is:

• aged persons 65 years or over
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• People who are 50 years or over from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
• People who are financially disadvantaged
• People living in rural and remote locations
• People who are socially isolated

What Assistance Can the LSC Provide?

The prime objective of the LSC is to provide flexible, responsive support to older Australians (65 years or over, or 50 and over if indigenous) to assist them to remain living independently within the local community.

This may be achieved in many ways however, some examples are:

• Providing assistance, support and information to the client and their family to allow them to plan ahead and self manage using community based supports, and where appropriate, the support of their family and friends
• Encouraging and supporting self advocacy and where necessary advocating on behalf of the person
• Providing assistance and responses that focus on prevention and early intervention so that aged persons avoid crises during major transition points in their lives
• Identifying opportunities that meet the person's needs by developing community based supports

Priority

Meeting the needs of those individuals who are capable of self-managing with minimal support and assistance yet who, without intervention, are at risk of becoming part of the service system.

Assessment of relative need on the basis of 'client risk' takes into account factors related to the needs and circumstances of the client, and where appropriate the carer, including access to formal and informal supports.

Hours of Service

The LSC will be available Monday to Friday. Hours of service will be flexibly provided to meet the needs of the clients when possible.

Further Information

Should you require further information regarding the program or wish to make a referral to the LSC please contact Tweed Valley Respite Service Inc on 02 6674 2267.