The Transitional Care Program (TCP) aims to support older individuals to recover and regain strength and independence following a hospital stay. The length of the program is tailored to your individual circumstances (up to 12 weeks).

What we do

The TCP Case Manager, along with other health professionals involved in your care, will support you to identify your recovery needs and goals. These will inform the services you will receive throughout the program e.g. nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, personal care services.

As you recover, your TCP care needs may change. Your Case Manager and/or the health professionals involved in your care, will always discuss any changes with you to ensure you can get the most out of this program.

You can participate in TCP either as an inpatient at South Gippsland Hospital or at home after discharge, or a mix of both.

How you access

To find out if you are eligible, speak to the staff in the ward about the program or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

You will be referred for a comprehensive assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Service, which can be done in person or over the phone.

Who can use our service?

To be eligible you must be:

• Over the age of 65 years (or 50 years if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have an age-related disease;
• An inpatient in a hospital and medically stable; and
• Assessed and approved by the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) while you are in hospital. SGH staff will assist with this.

Are there any fees?

TCP is funded jointly by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments. SGH asks you to make a contribution towards the cost of your care – either $5 per day for home-based clients or $10 per day for clients in the hospital.

Note: an inability to pay the daily fee does not preclude anyone from participating in this program.

Who do I contact?

For Transition Care Program enquiries speak to the ward staff or call 03 5683 9780.