Subacute and aged care services

Western Health provides a range of subacute and aged care services that support patients to recover, maintain independence, and manage complex or chronic health conditions. These services are available across our hospital campuses and community sites.

We care for people who may be transitioning out of hospital or require ongoing support due to age-related illness, disability or frailty. Our teams work closely with patients, families and carers to plan care that meets individual needs.

We provide the following programs:

• Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM): For older patients with multiple or complex medical issues. GEM provides comprehensive assessment, care planning and therapy to improve independence and quality of life.
  
   
• Rehabilitation: Supports people recovering from illness, injury or surgery to regain strength, mobility and function. Programs are tailored to individual goals and delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
  
   
• Palliative care: Provides comfort-focused care for people with a life-limiting illness. Care is delivered in partnership with the patient, their family and their healthcare team.
  
   
• Transition Care Program (TCP): Short-term support for older people leaving hospital who need extra help before returning home or moving to residential care.
  
   
• Behaviour and Cognitive Assessment (BCOP): Specialised care for patients with dementia, delirium or other behavioural and cognitive symptoms.
  
   
• Subacute Non-Admitted Program (SNAP): Outpatient and community-based care for people who need ongoing rehabilitation, GEM or palliative care services without being admitted to hospital.

Subacute and aged care services are provided at:

• Sunshine Hospital
• Williamstown Hospital
• Bacchus Marsh and Melton
• Hazeldean Transition Care (Williamstown)
• Home and community-based settings (via SNAP and TCP)

Each service operates differently depending on care type and patient need.

Referrals to subacute and aged care services are typically made by hospital staff, GPs, specialists or the Aged Care Assessment Service (for programs such as TCP).

To learn more about eligibility or access, visit each program page or contact the relevant site directly