Public services play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of elderly Australians. One such program is the Home Care Package (HCP), a subsidy provided by the Australian government to help older Australians stay happy and safe in their homes. However, it’s important to note that certain medical items like replacement dentures and hearing aids, which are commonly used by the elderly, are not covered under the HCP.
To bridge this gap, the Australian government offers related subsidies and plans that cover these specific items. In this article, we will explore the various public services available for hearing, vision, and dental care in Victoria, helping you access the support you need.
Public Service for Dental Care.
Dental Health Services Victoria provides essential dental care for adult concession cardholders through public dental clinics in community health centers. This public service include emergency dental care, such as pain relief, swelling, or bleeding, and general dental care, which encompasses routine check-ups, oral health advice, cleanings, extractions, fillings, X-rays, and root canal treatments.
Eligibility for dental care public services is extended to various groups, including pension concession cardholders, health care cardholders, veterans with gold and white cards, refugees, asylum seekers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The cost of this dental public service for eligible individuals aged 18 years or older is remarkably affordable, with a flat fee of $30 per visit, capped at $120 for a general course of care, and a $30 fee for emergency treatment. Dentures are also available at a nominal cost, with each denture priced at $71.50 and capped at $143 for full upper and lower dentures. This makes dental care accessible and affordable for those who need it.
To access public services for dental health, individuals can visit the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne or use the clinic search tool on the Dental Health Services Victoria website.
For more information about public service for dental care in Victoria, please visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/dental-health/access-to-victorias-public-dental-care-services
Public Services for Vision.
Eligibility for public eye services requires individuals to hold a current health care card for at least six months or a pension concession card. This includes people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, those facing financial disadvantage, and residents of specific care facilities.
The public services for vision encompass comprehensive eye examinations, assessments of vision and eye health, spectacles services, screening for eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye care. Additionally, the program refers individuals to appropriate practitioners, such as general practitioners or ophthalmologists, for further care if needed.
For access to the Victorian Eyecare Service (VES), contact the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) at (03) 9349 7455 or visit https://www.health.vic.gov.au/supporting-independent-living/victorian-eyecare-service. The ACO has multiple branch clinics, ensuring convenience for all eligible individuals.
Public servic for Hearing.
The Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) is a nationwide initiative that provides essential hearing services and support. Eligible individuals include Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 26 or older, pension concession cardholders, those receiving sickness allowance from Centrelink, and those referred by the Disability Employment Services (Disability Management Services) Program.
The HSP covers services like purchasing hearing aids, providing hearing aid batteries and repairs, and offering support for implantable bone conduction devices (IBCD) and other hearing services.
The Australian government classifies various subsidies and plans carefully, considering the diverse needs of different individuals. While this list can be overwhelming, educational programs are available to help seniors understand and apply for the government subsidies they require.
In conclusion, the Australian government provides a range of public services to support the hearing, vision, and dental care needs of eligible seniors. These services are tailored to address specific concerns, making them accessible and affordable for those who require assistance. By promoting these public services, seniors can lead happier and healthier lives with the necessary support.
As a recognized HCP provider, Happy Living offers up-to-date information and welcomes you to consult with our dedicated care consultats to seek more advice. If you have any concerns or want to discuss your Home Care Package, please contact your Care Manager or call us at 1300 911 728.
If you want to know more about our service, please go to: https://happyliving.com.au/home-care-services-2/
