Accessing Queensland Community Care Services

Table of contents:

How can Queensland Community Care help you?

Queensland Community Care can help people under 65 years of age with services:

  • provided in the community:
        - centre-based day respite (care, company and group activities in the centre)
        - transport (e.g. to a day centre, shopping or appointments)
        - social support (e.g. shopping, banking or to appointments)
  • provided at home:
        - domestic assistance (e.g. cleaning, clothes washing and ironing)
        - personal care (e.g. help with bathing or showering, dressing)
        - home maintenance (e.g. changing light bulbs, fixing door locks)
        - home modification (e.g. structural changes to the home including access ramps 
          and bathroom modifications)
        - community nursing (e.g. wound dressing)
        - counselling, support and advocacy services for clients and carers 
  • services provided either at a community centre or in your home:
        - food services including Meals on Wheels
        - allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology, 
          occupational therapy and advice from a dietitian)
        - respite care (giving carers a break from their caring role)
        - support services for carers (other support services for carers)

Am I eligible for a Queensland Community Care service?

Queensland Community Care services are directed towards assisting:

  • people under 65 years of age and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 50 years of age who have a moderate, severe or profound disability or a condition which restricts their ability to carry out activities of daily living, and
  • the unpaid carers of these people

People will be eligible for services if they are:

  • living in the community
  • having difficulty performing the core activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, preparing meals, house cleaning, and using public transport
  • at risk of losing their independence without assistance from Queensland Community Care.

Living in the community means people who are living:

  • in their own homes (whether owned or rented)
  • in independent living units, caravan parks, self-care units, boarding houses, group housing in the community
  • in retirement villages
  • without stable accommodation, for example, people who are homeless or transient.

A service provider will speak with you and your carer to assess and understand your support needs, and to identify the most appropriate services to meet those needs.

Will I have to pay for a Queensland Community Care service?

Each Community Care service provider has its own policy on fees, and most services ask for a small contribution. Special arrangements may be made if you cannot afford to pay.

How do I access a Queensland Community Care service?

You can contact your local provider directly using the service directory, or you can contact a regional access point on free call 1800 600 300. You do not need a referral.

Support for Carers

Many people with a disability, or a condition that restricts their day to day living, need support so that they can live independently in their own home. They may be looked after by a carer, who may be their spouse, partner, family member, neighbour or friend.

Respite care is designed to provide the carer with a break from their regular caring duties.  The person being cared for can receive respite care in their home or in a day respite centre. In most cases respite care is planned ahead, but it may be provided as an emergency service.

Carers may also need advice and support which can be provided through carer support organisations: