Shared Supported Accommodation
What is Shared Supported Accommodation?
Shared Supported Accommodation Services can provide a range of flexible, supported accommodation options. Shared Supported Accommodation Services provide staffed accommodation for people with varying levels and types of disabilities. These services are located in houses in the Hume region. The houses are located in suburban streets and look the same as any other house in the street. The staffing levels are determined according to the requirements of the people living in the house. Overnight Sleepovers are provided where necessary.
Who is eligible to use Shared Supported Accommodation?
Supported Accommodation Services are for people with physical, intellectual, cognitive and degenerative disabilities as well as acquired brain injury (A.B.I.). People wishing to live in supported accommodation services must be eligible to receive services under the Intellectually Disabled Persons' Services Act (I.D.P.S.A.) or the Disability Services Act (D.S.A) .
How are applications and referrals made?
All vacancies in Disability Services funded accommodation services are managed by the Department of Human Services (D.H.S.), through a system known as Vacancy Coordination. The aim of Vacancy Coordination is to enable people with disabilities to access the most appropriate service from all of the accommodation services available in the region. The system ensures that every long-term accommodation vacancy is filled by a person with a disability who is in the most urgent need in the region and that the person is the best match for the placement. To be considered for vacancies, applicants for accommodation services are placed on the Service Needs Register which is managed by Department of Human Services in each region. The Service Needs Register is a system which records the requirements of people with disabilities for long-term accommodation placements. To register, the person must complete an Application for Long-Term Accommodation form. It is preferred that this form is completed in conjunction with a service provider, case manager or the disability client services intake worker at the regional DHS office.
Facility Based Respite
What is facility based respite?
Facility Based Respite gives carers of people with disabilities the opportunity to take a break from their support role. This can be as a planned break or in an emergency situation. Respite stays may range from one night through to an extended period. CAASS operates one facility in Wangaratta that provides:
* a very home like environment in a typical house in a typical street;
* staff trained in the use of specialist equipment and personal care needs;
* registered nursing assistance to train staff for specific support of people with high and/or complex personal care needs;
* a place in which to meet and socialise with other people of similar age groups; and
* an enjoyable experience for the person with a disability.
Who can access Facility Based respite?
In each case the person must:
* live with a carer
* be eligible for services under either the Disability Services Act (D.S.A.), or the Intellectually Disabled Persons Services Act (I.D.P.S.A.)
* be aged between five and sixtyfive
* have physical, intellectual, neurological or multiple disabilities
* live in Victoria
How are applications and referrals made?
The first booking is made after meeting the CAASS Manager. They will meet with the primary carer and client to make an assessment of support needs. During this visit, the client/carer will be asked to sign a range of consent forms that are required before a person can access the service. Visits to the services prior to an assessment being completed can be arranged. Please do not visit the facilities without first making an appointment. Once an Individualised Support Requirement plan has been developed, bookings can be made directly with the teamleader at the facility. We encourage planned bookings well in advance. Our respite service has some capacity to respond to emergencies, however this is dependent on the existing client mix.
How much does respite cost per night?
CAASS charges a flat fee of $22.00 per night. This includes all ammeneties and meals. Any extra activities or special needs must be paid for seperately.
Flexible Respite
What is Flexible Respite?
Flexible Respite is for planned and emergency respite both in and out of the person's home. The service operates in the Hume region The aim of Flexible Respite is to give primary carers of people with disabilities wider options to obtain support that is meaningful to them, while providing a positive experience for the person with a disability. Flexible respite options are endless and can assist families in many ways. Such as:
* in-home support (short-term)
* recreation
* assistance to go on a family holiday (ie. accommodation/travel costs)
* camps
* holiday programs
* group holidays/activities
Who can access Flexible Respite?
Flexible respite is provided to people who have funding packages or are self funded to purchase services. This includes:
* individuals with a physical or intellectual disability, sensory impairment or an acquired brain injury
* individuals who reside in the Hume Region.
* individuals aged from six to 64 years
* individuals living at home who are dependent upon a primary carer
How are applications and referrals made?
Individual carers may make an application directly to the CAASS Manager . If a client has a funding package then the case manager assigned to the client is able to make a referral on their behalf.
Day Services
What are day services?
CAASS Day Services provide a range of programs that offer people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in either facility based community group programs or individually based programs. All our programs are structured and comprehensive and designed to meet the educational, vocational, recreational and therapeutic goals of the client via the use of an individual plan. CAASS Day Services generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week, however some activities may be undertaken after hours and/or weekends. Examples include:
* Independent living skills;
* Skills development programs;
* computers for beginners;
* art and craft;
* a range of farm activities and horticulture programs on our rural property, Murrumbung Plains.;
* of an evening or weekend we support people to attend the local Country and Western dances; and a games night and other popular activities.
How are Day Services accessed?
To access any Day Services programs including Murrumbung Plains individuals must be aged 16 years or over and eligible for funding under the State Government of Victoria's "Futures for Young Adults" or "Day Services" or "Support and Choice" program.Or they may purchase services privately. Please contact the CAASS Manager to get advise about eligibility. Prospective applicants may also be asked to participate in an interview and a formal intake procedure in order to ensure CAASS Day services can offer the services and supports that the applicant requires. Murrumbung Plains , is a rural property that we manage at East Wangaratta . At Murrumbung there are a host of activities and skills development programs that assist people to develop the skills necessary for general farm maintainence.Including animal husbandry, poultry flock managment,horticulture and operating machinery safely.The farm is open Monday to Friday.
CASS Holidays
What kind of holidays can be arranged?
CAASS offers a range of supported holidays to choose from. These holidays are usually in a group situation with destinations pre decided. We have the ability to organise specific holidays at peoples requests including family visits and special occasions. Previous destinations we have included along the Murray to Echuca and Yarrawonga, Down the beach to Phillip Island , the autumn festival at Bright and interstate to Grafton and Lismore.
Who can access Holiday programs?
Holidays are open to any person with a disability. Planning is around the person , however we generally work on a staffing ratio based on support needs. These are:
* Low support needs : 5– 1 ratio;
* Medium support needs: 3-1 ratio;and
* High Support needs: 1-1 ratio
What do holidays usually cost?
All prices quoted are inclusive of transport, accommodation , meals, and entry fees to activities on the itinerary. People are required to bring their own spending money for any extras. An additional cost of up to $500.00 could be incurred in cases of emergency when a person has to be escorted home due to illness or other emergencies outside of our control.
Where can more information be obtained regarding CAASS Holidays?
Contact the CAASS Manager, who will arrange for a brochure to be sent out and answer any further questions you may have.
Individualised Funding Packages
What is Support and Choice?
Support and Choice is a new program funded by Department of Human Services . The funding from this program is used to assist people to realise their dreams, desires and aspirations. A Support and Choice planner works with people and significant others to identify what supports are needed to assist with this plan. Once the plan is developed then agencies/ services are sought who are best able to provide the support required. This funding is recurrent and plans are reviewed yearly.
Who can access this funding?
Anyone who is eligible to receive services under The Disability Services Act.
How are applications and referrals made?
All applications are made to the Department of Human Services via the Service Needs Register. A case manager, service provider or client services intake worker will assist with applications.
What is Home first?
Home first funding is a state government initiative to provide the supports people need to assist them to live in their own home for as long as possible. The things Home First can cover are:
* Purchase of equipment needed i.e. hoists, alarm systems;
* Provide support staff for skills development;
* Attendant care;
* Transport / assistance to access medical appointments;and
* Support to access the community
Who is eligible for Homefirst Funding?
Anyone who is eligible for funding under the Disability Services Act and is registered with the Department of Human Services.
How are applications and referrals made?
Applications and referrals are made via the Services Needs Register which is managed by the Department of Human Services. A case manager, client services intake worker or service provider will fill out applications and refer it to the appropriate person.
Can the client decide who provides this service?
Yes, in the planning stages clients and carers will be given the names of several appropriate agencies and the client/carer have the last decision on who they wish to be their service provider. There is also an annual review where you have the opportunity to change service providers, and hours needed.
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