HACC SERVICES funded by the Department of Human Services provide ethno-specific (Russian) friendly visiting, social support and assessment for aged and younger people with disabilities. Individuals interested in receiving HACC services can contact the RWS HACC office on 9793 5955 during normal office hours. Bilingual Russian speaking staff are available to assist with your enquiries.
Friendly visiting is vital for frail and aged clients who are house bound for various reasons, whether it be as a result of frailty, illness or otherwise. Our team of volunteers provides social support and community access including assistance to medical appointments, friendly visiting in the home, community transport for shopping, Church trips and social outings as well as supported participation in social and special interest activity groups.
Assessment and Referral is another aspect of our HACC Services. Cultural sensitive assessment is essential for accurate identification of individual needs. Russian Welfare Society ensure the client’s personal information remains confidential complying with National Privacy Principles and HACC Service Standards. HACC Assessment usually involves gathering information about the individual’s current health, past and current medical conditions and their capacity to independently complete daily living tasks like cleaning, cooking and personal grooming. Referral usually follows assessment. Russian Welfare Society works closely with HACC basic service providers such as local councils and community health centers to ensure each client has access to the supports they require to live independently in the community and to prevent premature entry into residential care. Referrals for Basic services often include Home Maintenance, Home Care, Meals on Wheels, Personal Care and allied health (physiotherapy, podiatry, etc). Russian Welfare provides advocacy and support throughout the referral and assessment process.
Two Telelink groups operate weekly. Currently we have these sessions on Thursdays at 3pm and Friday mornings at 11am. Telelink promotes regular social contact for isolated individuals by providing a conference call style phone network for an hour session weekly. Telelink uses normal phone equipment and is provided at no cost to the participants. Priority for telelink is offered to HACC clients living outside our regular transport service area or those who cannot regularly participate in RWS group social activities.
Casey Russian Outing Group is an initiative provided by RWS in partnership with City of Casey. Russian HACC clients from City of Casey local government area enjoy a fortnightly activity program. Most sessions are outings to different places of interest or centre-based programs when weather is not suitable for day trips. Clients can be referred to this program by RWS or City of Casey. A bilingual Russian Assessment Worker from City of Casey completes the necessary assessments to ensure clients are eligible and suitable to participate in this Outing group. All participants receive a detailed itinerary and are invoiced monthly by City of Casey. Sessions cost $5.50 plus lunch expenses and entry to venues where applicable. Individuals living in City of Casey who want to attend this program can contact RWS HACC office or City of Casey Social Support Coordinator on 9705 5200.
COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SUPPORT PROGRAMS At Russian Welfare we believe quality of life for the elderly is a priority and an extremely important factor in achieving this is through contact with a person’s culture. We provide and fund many other services aimed at improving the quality of life for members in our community. These include:
The Russian Women's Health Group offers leisure and health activities for many of our volunteers and clients. Special interest sessions include:
• Creative Crafts Group that meets every Wednesday at 10am for craft instruction in a range of paper crafts and beading. Regular outings browsing craft shops and craft markets provides fresh ideas and resources for their craft sessions.
• Health Promotion and Education: Health lectures and Community Health information sessions are an important feature of all RWS community support programs. These sessions raise awareness on women’s health issues and healthy living options and are organised several times throughtout the year.
Russian Senior Citizens Club provides a variety of interest based social groups for the 50+ age group. Annual membership is $10 and newcomers are welcome to attend activities. Transport is provided within the Cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey as required. The Russian Senior Citizens Club activities includes:
• Bingo Club who meet at the Dandenong Parish Hall of the Dormition of our Lady Russian Orthodox Church once a fortnight at 10am Tuesdays for bingo and lunch.
• Around the Samovar Group meets at the RWS Community centre at the same time as the bingo club joining together for lunch and special celebrations. Around the Samovar offers a relaxed social setting with unstructured activities including Russian singing, reading Poetry, morning tea and friendly chats
• Men’s Social Group meet weekly at 1pm Tuesday in the Russian Centre in Kirkham Rd. Centre based activities include pool, mah jong, chess, cards and reading Russian newspapers. Regular outings and BBQs add variety to their program.
• Swimming club meets once a fortnight at Oasis Pool in Dandenong. Participants can attend a structured water exercise program or enjoy the pool, sauna and spa. Assistance with dressing and pool entry is provided by RWS staff if this is required.
The Russian Senior Citizens Club also go on group outings and excursions, celebrate Birthdays monthly, participate in regular gentle exercise sessions and attend health lectures.
For further information for any of these above please contact the HACC office at 9793 5955.
