To ensure that our resources are directed towards those in most need we have a selection criteria to determine what problems can be seen in our clinic. The below information is mainly for GPs and other referring clinicians.
Referral Criteria
We can take on clients who:
- Are over 65 years old (over 50 years old for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clients)
- Live in the Ryde City Council or the Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill areas
- Are under the age of 65 if the client’s needs can’t be met by a specialised provider. We may accept clients of this nature on an individual basis
We can’t take on clients who:
- Don’t meet the eligibility criteria stated above
- Have needs that are best met under a specific program (i.e. NDIS recipients, palliative care)
- Are receiving a level 3 or 4 home care package. However, clients with a high risk of pressure injuries or risk of avoidable hospital admissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Are already accessing a similar service through another program i.e. already accessing a private rehabilitation service or community-based therapy program
- Currently reside in a residential aged care facility.
- Have previously participated in a CAReS program and have not seen a change in their circumstances that warrants being reconsidered for the same program
- Have rehabilitation goals that exceed their functional ability to achieve their desired outcome
- Require intensive therapy to achieve their desired goal, exceeding the CAReS scope of practice
Referral Process
There may be different referral requirements depending on the program you would like to access.
- Contact My Aged Care – required for Dietetics, community access Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Home Safety Assessments
- We accept e-referrals from GPs via HealthLink
- Other health clinicians can refer to our service i.e. community nursing, allied health clinicians
- Other medical specialists can refer to us
- Refer yourself if none of the above referral pathways are applicable to your situation
Please contact us if you need help with making a referral
Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the most timely manner possible.
Referrals will be triaged and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. This process may take between 1-4 weeks. You will be contacted if more information is needed.