Referral Criteria
What is Healthy at Home? | Make a referralWhat is Healthy at Home?
Healthy at Home is designed to support older people (aged 65 years or older or 45 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) whose medical condition is starting to deteriorate. It allows an older person to be cared for at home as an alternative to a hospital admission.
Healthy at Home is currently available to patients who meet the following criteria:
- 65 years of age or older (45 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples).
- Living in the local government areas served by:
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when you suspect the person is at imminent risk of needing to go to hospital and
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when there is the onset or deterioration of one or more of the following:
Mobility Recent fall and/or change in ability to walk. Memory Confusion or increasing forgetfulness - usually noticed by a carer, relative, or someone like the neighbour. Everyday tasks A change in doing usual every day tasks e.g.
- Washing self is difficult
- Not changing clothes
- Not getting to the toilet in time/soiling clothes
- Unable to prepare a meal
Carer needs The carer notices an increase in the needs of the care recipient and feel they are unable to cope in meeting these needs. Deterioration in health
- Shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen limbs
- Dizzy spells
- Lack of interest in food/loss of appetite
- Increased tiredness
Home environment Neglected home environment, i.e. rotting food in fridge, soiled sheets Community Services Need for extra or ad-hoc community support in recent weeks. Not eligible? The local Healthy at Home contacts will be able to give you advice on the best service to contact.
Make a referral
Referrals can be made by phoning 1800 152 149 or by faxing a GP referral form to 4925 7950.
Before you call please have the following information on hand:
- Patient details - name, address, contact details
- Patient's Medicare Card No.
- Country of birth and preferred language spoken
- Reason for referral
- Diagnoses & current problems
- CDM items
