Social connection hubs offer recreational activity programs in five locations, Fitzroy, Carrum Downs, Greenvale, Frankston, and Craigieburn, helping older people and their carers to connect with the community, make friends and maintain wellbeing. These are great opportunities for older people to socialise with others, play games, share meals and go on outings like the beach, cinemas, parks and other fun activities Some of the activities include:

• Wellbeing and exercise activities, meditation, dancing
• Arts and crafts
• Mahjong, bingo, trivia and various group-based games
• Celebration of cultural and themed holidays, festivals, seasonal events
• Digital literacy classes to build the skills and confidence to use computers, tablets and smartphones.

We offer a range of wellness and reablement activities, Monday to Friday, that are focused on supporting and empowering clients to learn new skills, retain current skills and having fun.

Activities may include group exercise, mahjong, cooking classes, table tennis, pool and trivia challenges as well as movie screenings, meals and refreshments throughout the day. Events outside of the program are organised regularly and are mixed, ranging from footy to various other sports and music evenings.

We offer overnight respite care, tailored to best fit your circumstances, in warm and welcoming surroundings, 7 days a week. Take a real break in 6 bed home-like accommodation. Each bedroom is complete with a large ensuite, hi-low bed, split system air conditioning, television with Netflix subscription, and is suitable for those using mobility aids or wheelchairs. In addition to the welcoming and warm accommodation, we also provide nutritional home cooked meals.

The cottage services are operated by our caring team of endorsed enrolled nurses and community support workers.

Carers also need to take time to care of themselves. We provide a range of flexible respite services to offer carers an opportunity to get things done and to take a break, knowing the person they care for has all the support they need.

Respite care can be provided in your own home or at a centre. It can be for a couple of hours during the day or night, or even overnight for a few days or weeks. Some of the services we can help you with are;

Some of the services we can help you with are:

• Respite options during the day and overnight
• Personal care and support with daily tasks
• Meal solutions
• Transport
• Transition from hospital to home
• Social support and company
• Recreational and social activities such as brunch and lunch groups, walking groups, movie groups and social events
• Group day trips.

To find out more information on our programs or for advice and support simply contact us on 03 9782 9322 or email supportforcarers@bsl.org.au Our support services are available in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) is a community support that provides services to eligible clients to;

• Improve and maintain their independence and capacity to live safely at home.
• Participate in community activities.
• Strengthen the capacity of the client’s carers to maintain their carer role.

Eligibility criteria

• People below the age of 65 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders under 50.
• Demonstrated physical and/or psychosocial functional impairment related to disability (for which they are not eligible for the NDIS), chronic illness and short-term health needs.
• Carers of people who meet the above criteria.

HACC Program for Younger People is targeted at people who need assistance with daily activities, including personal care, dressing, preparing meals, house cleaning, property maintenance, community access and using public transport.

HACC-PYP is an alternative option for people who may not be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or are transitioning into the NDIS.