Useful services for older people
Merri-bek City Council continues to run services for older people. We are following official COVID-19 guidelines, to make sure you and our staff stay safe.
Aged and Community Support
If you or someone you know would like extra support while you are at home, ring our friendly staff on 9240 2302 to find out more. We might be able to help you with:
- Delivered meals
- Cleaning and home maintenance
- Personal care
- Shopping
- Transport to medical appointments, essential shopping and chemists
- Regular friendly phone chats and other social activities
Libraries
Libraries are offering some services. Please visit our COVID-19 Council service announcements page to see what restriction are in place for this service.
You can ring Libraries on 9353 4000.
You can request books to be delivered to your home if you suffer from illness, frailty or a disability. Our books undergo a quarantine process to ensure safety and hygiene procedures are met.
Do you have a computer, iPad or mobile phone and need help to use it? Phone the friendly and patient Libraries staff on 9353 4000 to help you with things like sending emails and text messages, and using the internet. All questions are welcome. Interpreters are available.
Merri Health
Living Well, Ageing Well Program
Merri Health’s Living Well, Ageing Well program supports meaningful social connections for people aged 50+. The program provides:
- Linking to one-on-one or group conversation over the phone (or internet) in your language.
- A variety of friendly phone-based social groups i.e. movies, cooking, bingo etc. No internet needed, just a landline or mobile phone.
- A directory of local services and other resources to assist older people with practical needs, health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact the team on 8319 7420 for more information. Phone interpreters are available.
Stepped Care for Older Adults
Stepped Care for Older Adults is Merri Health's mental health support program for people aged 65 + (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who may be experiencing stress, loneliness, or going through a difficult time.
A health professional will provide one-on-one support tailored your needs. We can see you in your own home, in one of our centres, or speak to you via the phone or video call.
The program is free and confidential. Please call 1300 637 744 to speak to our team for more information or a self-referral.
COTA Victoria Information Line
Do you need free telephone advice on how COVID-19 affects older people... or anything else?
Ring the COTA Victoria Information on 1300 13 50 90, from 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, to find out the information you need. If you call outside these hours and leave a message and they will return your call.
Seniors Rights Victoria
Do have questions about possible mistreatment or abuse of an older person you know or yourself? Phone the Seniors Rights Victoria Helpline on 1300 368 821, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, to seek advice.
This is a general helpline only. If you feel immediately unsafe or are concerned for someone’s safety, please call 000.
Your usual services
Please continue to get in touch with your usual health and other essential services as needed. Our local services are well organised to support you, your family (and your pets!) with any of your needs throughout coronavirus.