Am I suitable for this service?
Anyone who has bowel or bladder difficulties such as visiting the toilet frequently, constipation, pelvic floor problems or loss of urine or bowels at inappropriate times is able to be seen at the Continence Service. We are happy to discuss your own symptoms to see if we can help prior to making an appointment.
Can clients be referred post-hospital discharge for reconditioning?
The program does not offer reconditioning/rehabilitation. This is provided by other Eastern Health services, for example the Community Rehabilitation Program.
Can I bring my children?
We understand that woman have many commitments in their life. In order to ensure we provide a responsive service, children are welcome.
Can I get some government funding to help pay for my pads or containment aids?
We assess everybody who needs to pay for these items as to whether they are eligible and will assist or apply on your behalf if deemed eligible.
Can my partner come with me?
Yes, partners are very welcome and encouraged to attend. Specific information is offered addressing common concerns of patients and their loved ones.
Can the account be payed on the day of clinic?
No, patients must wait for the account to arrive in the mail.
Do clients have to be over 65 years old?
No, not if they have aged related chronic illness.
Do I have to pay?
No, this service is free.
Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance care plan?
In the state of Victoria you do not require a lawyer to compete an advance care plan. A doctor or a ‘Respecting Patient Choices Facilitator’ can help you complete your plan. Contact this office to find out how we can assist.
Do I need a referral?
No, women can book directly on 1300 130 381. Appointment times vary each week to provide a service that is easy to access for all women.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not necessary. Anyone who is a student at Upper Yarra Secondary College can come to the House of Health.
Do I need my GP to fill out the referral form?
This is not mandatory and you can fill this out yourself. However having a current medical history from your GP would be beneficial to you so we can assist you in the safest and most effective way possible.
Do I need to complete six - eight weeks of therapy?
Therapy is provided to meet your specific needs and goals. However you can discontinue with our service at any time.
Does it matter if I have not finished treatment?
No, it does not matter, as long as you are available to attend on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
Does the service see clients out of their geographical area?
No, we suggest they stay within their geographical area.
How can I refer to the service?
Our Service Coordinators will accept referral from GPs or other health professionals, as well as self referrals. See contact details.
How do you refer to the Movement Disorders Program?
Medical referral letter or Eastern Health SACS referral form can be mailed or faxed to the program.
How long are the waiting times?
Waiting times and clinic days may vary throughout the year. Please call (03) 9871 3599 for an approximate waiting time on your appointment.
How long is the appointment for?
Approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours. You will generally see a doctor as well as Allied Health practitioners, such as a physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
How long is the appointment going to be?
The first appointment allows for a full history and assessment. During this assessment current and research based information is provided. It depends from woman to woman how much time this takes. It can be as short as 15 minutes, but if there are certain issues a woman wishes to discuss 1 hour is allocated for this appointment.
How much does it cost?
Counselling is free for lower and middle income groups.
How much will it cost?
The initial group education day is free. Individual visits to service providers will be charged according to the Community Health Fee Policy i.e. low income - $8.80 and medium income - $13.50.
How often will I come?
This varies from person to person. You and your counsellor will decide together how regular your appointments will be.
I can only participate in therapy on certain days and times. Can I still have access to this service?
Yes. We will try our best to offer you appointments that meet your needs.
I don’t need five weeks of group sessions, is that okay?
The cardiac rehabilitation program has been designed in accordance with the National Heart Foundation recommendations for people with heart disease therefore we strongly encourage you to complete the program.
Is this information kept confidential?
Yes, your privacy is important and vital in the work we do. Everything said during the appointment is kept confidential. If a copy of test results need to be sent elsewhere, permission will be sought from you before we do share any information.
Is what we talk about confidential?
Your privacy is important and it is vital to the work we do. Everything said in counselling is confidential. This means that unless we have verbal or written permission from you, we won’t discuss your information with others, including family members. There are some limits to confidentiality and these are:
If you have been referred by a GP, where it is important for your wellbeing we will provide a brief report to that doctor after 6 and 12 sessions, or earlier, if appropriate.
There may be times when information is provided to other professionals in order to protect you or others from harm. We are bound by law to do this. The specific types of situations are a) if you are likely to harm yourself or others; b) if there is a child at risk of harm and c) if the courts compel us to disclose information.
My child is a bit slow to start to talking. Does this fit into your service?
Unfortunately no. VPRS does not see children with developmental difficulties/disabilities. A local community Health Service, Early Intervention Service or private Speech Pathologist would meet your child’s specific needs.
We are happy to discuss various options with you.
My child is having difficult writing. Does this fit into your service?
Unfortunately no. VPRS does not see children with developmental difficulties or children that do not require interdisciplinary input. A local community health service or private Occupational Therapist would best suit your child’s specific needs. We are happy to discuss various options with you.
My child suffered a head injury three years ago and is now having difficulties with their schoolwork.
If your child has had a significant brain injury they may benefit from our service.
What can I learn?
Clients can learn about diabetes, healthy eating and cooking, exercising, foot care, setting goals and improving lifestyle. We can help you to lose weight and control your diabetes.
What causes memory loss or changes to thinking?
There are many causes of changes to memory and thinking:
- Anxiety/stress/depression
- Dementia – for example Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Alcohol
- Side effects of medication
- Vitamin deficiency
What causes memory loss or changes to thinking?
There are many causes of changes to memory and thinking:
- Anxiety/stress/depression
- Dementia – for example Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Alcohol
- Side effects of medication
- Vitamin deficiency
What do you do at the Continence Service?
We provide a thorough assessment of bladder and bowel function to diagnose, manage and educate.
What does CDAMS do?
The Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service is a specialist multidisciplinary diagnostic, referral and educational service for people experiencing memory loss, or changes to their thinking, and for those who care for them.
What does GEM do?
The Geriatric Evaluation and Management clinic provides assessment and diagnosis for people experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of dementia and geriatric assessment for older people with complex medical issues.
What does the Multi-disciplinary Strategy Training program offer?
Strategies and exercise to manage movement difficulties and improve daily functioning. Education, advice and support to assist the client/families to manage the condition.
Generally this involves weekly appointments for 6-8 weeks.
What happens at the end of five weeks?
Your health team will discuss with you all your options which includes referral to other community services and supports.
What happens at the end of seven weeks?
Your health team will discuss with you all your options which may include referral to other community services and supports.
What happens at the end of six - eight weeks?
This is dependent on your needs and rehabilitation goals. Your health team will discuss with you all your options which could include referral to other community services and supports.
What happens in counselling?
Your counsellor will work with you to identify and clarify issues and the impacts these are having on your wellbeing. You can expect to be treated with respect and have your decisions supported. At times counsellors will offer alternative views and ideas and generally help you see your life circumstances more clearly and assist with developing strategies and decision making.
What if I can’t come into the centre?
This is a centre-based program. However, we can suggest alternate cost-effective transport options. The Oncology Rehabilitation Coordinator is happy to discuss alternative community options with you.
What if I can’t come into the centre?
This is a centre-based program. However, we can suggest alternate cost-effective transport options. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator/representative is happy to discuss alternative community options with you.
What if I can’t come into the centre?
VPRS-Eastern is able to provide community visits (home, school/preschool) if this best suits the client’s specific goals.
What if I can’t come into the centre?
We have a range of options available. Depending on your situation and rehabilitation goals we can provide home or centre based therapy. We can also suggest alternate cost effective transport options.
What if I want to change my advance care plan?
You can change your advance care plan at any time whilst you are still legally able to make your own medical decisions. You can cancel the documents by destroying them, or write a new plan which will automatically override any previous plans. It is important to inform others that you have made changes.
What if I want to meet with a particular discipline only such as a dietitian?
That is absolutely fine. On your first appointment we will discuss your needs and goals and provide you with the appropriate service to meet these needs.
What is an advance care plan?
An advance care plan may include one or all of the following:
- Appointment of a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney
- Documentation of your wishes regarding specific medical treatment.
- A refusal of treatment certificate relating to a current medical condition.
- Discussion with family and significant others including your doctor about your wishes.
What is involved in a CDAMS assessment?
The initial appointment, which may be in your home, involves taking a detailed history, administering a memory test and other screening investigations.
A specialist medical assessment is scheduled with the Geriatrician, and most clients also complete an assessment with the Neuropsychologist. These appointments are conducted at one of the clinic sites at Wantirna Health or Yarra Ranges Health (Lilydale).
Each assessment can take up to two hours. Please bring along any reading glasses or hearing aids. In some cases certain blood tests and/or scans may have to be organised. The investigations may take two months to complete.
Following the assessments, a family feedback session is held to discuss the findings. This offers an opportunity for the findings of the assessment to be explained, and any questions answered. Information will be provided describing the nature of the diagnosis, treatment and strategies to manage the condition.
This session usually takes up to one hour. Please feel free to ask questions and take notes during the assessment process. This will help you clarify and ask questions at the family feedback session.
What is involved in a GEM assessment?
The initial appointment with the Geriatrician, involves taking a detailed history, administering a memory test and other screening investigations. This appointment may take up to twi hours. It is preferable for a friend, relative or carer to attend this appointment to provide additional information for the assessment.
Following this, further review appointments with the Geriatrician may be required. Further testing or investigations may also be required in some cases.
All appointments are held at the clinic located at either Peter James Centre or Wantirna Health.
The Geriatrician will make recommendations which will be communicated in a letter to your General Practitioner.
What is the difference between normal ageing and dementia?
As part of normal ageing some people may notice mild slowing in their memory and thinking. This is normal. If however, the changes become progressively worse over time and begin to impact on everyday life, an assessment of memory and thinking is appropriate.
What is the difference between normal ageing and dementia?
As part of normal ageing some people may notice mild slowing in their memory and thinking. This is normal. If however, the changes become progressively worse over time and begin to impact on everyday life, an assessment of memory and thinking is appropriate.
What services are available?
Clients can see a diabetes nurse educator, a dietician, and a podiatrist, a physiotherapist, a counsellor or a Quit Smoking nurse. Other allied health and support services are also available. There are also cooking and exercise groups.
When is my advance care plan used?
Whilst you are still capable of discussing your healthcare with your doctors, your advance care plan will not be used. It is only used when you are unable to communicate your own decisions or lose the ability to make decisions due to dementia or some other condition.
Who can attend the service?
Anyone who has been newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or with prediabetes can attend. Services are subsidised for low and medium income.
Who can refer to the program?
Medical staff and health professionals.
Clients can self refer to see Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant.
Who can use this service?
This service is for young people attending Upper Yarra Secondary College.
Who is suitable for referral to the Movement Disorders Program?
Clients with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s related disorders.
Clients can also be referred for opinion/diagnosis via a medical clinic.
Who will I see at the service?
We have a specialist Continence doctor, specialist nurses and specialist physiotherapists who all work at the service and we will attempt to ensure you are seen from whoever you need of this multi disciplinary team.
Why do an advance care plan?
An advance care plan gives you the opportunity to record ahead of time, your health treatment choices. When you are unable to speak for yourself your advance care plan will speak for you and assist those involved in making healthcare decisions.