Linkages use case management to assist and support families and carers to care for people with complex and multiple support needs to remain living at home or in their local community. Discretionary funds can also assist if available.

Case Managers work in partnership with individuals and their families and carers to identify support needs and develop a plan to increase the individual's capacity and family's resilience.

Linkages aims to:

• Prevent premature admission to a hostel or nursing home
• Provide flexible and responsive services tailored to meet individual needs
• Assist people with complex support needs and their families or carers who are vulnerable and at risk due to the complexity of their support needs.
• Maximise independence and participation in the community, and are designed to prevent the need for more costly services or long-term residential placement.

Eligibility

• Those who are highly motivated to stay at home or return to their home and are usually not awaiting placement into a residential facility.
• Those who are eligible for Home and Community Care (HACC) services, and the need for HACC services is greater than the HACC service system can provide.
• Those people who are eligible for HACC services and who have multiple and complex support needs. Which require case management services.
• Those who are in a situation of high risk or vulnerability.
• Informal (unpaid) carer relationship is at risk of breaking down, thus leaving the person at risk of institutionalisation.
  Includes all age groups, from the newborn to the frail elderly.

How do I Access the Service?

To discuss a possible referral contact a Bendigo Health Case Management Services Team Leader.

Team Leader Contact details are listed on the Bendigo Health Case Management Services page.

To make a referral send the Department of Human Services Service Coordination (Consumer Information, Consumer Consent and Summary and Referral Information) forms to a Team Leader. These forms are available on www.connectingcare.com or by calling our office.