Transition Care Program (TCP)

The Transition Care Program (TCP) provides short-term care to foster independence in older people after a hospital stay.

We aim to reduce the number of older people staying too long in hospital or being prematurely admitted into residential aged care. 

Who we care for

We care for:

older people who can improve their physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, enabling them to live independently
older people who need help optimising their functioning while making long-term care arrangements with their families/carers

What you can expect

This is a goal-orientated, time-limited and therapy-focused program. Clients are usually on the program for 6 to 8 weeks (with an upper limit of 12 weeks), depending on your needs. 

TCP Care Coordinators work in collaboration with clients and family/care providers to determine client- focused goals. A personalised care plan and package of services is developed, which may include: 

accommodation in a supported environment such as a hospital or aged care community or services at home
case management
nursing
low intensity therapy, such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy
social work support
personal care (bathing or showering)
domestic home care (cleaning)
meal assistance (shopping, meal preparation)
support for appointments (may include transport)
some equipment needs
in-home respite
social activities

TCP can be offered in a person's home (home-based) or in a residential setting (bed-based). It allows older people more time in a non-hospital environment to complete their recovery and finalise their long-term care arrangements.

Costs for TCP

TCP is funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. The Commonwealth Government also requires a daily care fee from people who are able to pay.

The maximum fees are calculated based on the basic single aged pension and are adjusted twice yearly (20 March and 20 September):

Home-based clients - 17.5% of the current single aged pension
Bed-based clients – 85% of the current single aged pension

Where there are circumstances impacting a persons ability to pay, you can still be part of the program. Fees can be negotiated and discussed with the care coordinator at the time of admission to TCP.

The costs of medical services such as pathology, radiology and pharmacy (prescription) medicines are not included as part of TCP. You will be required to pay for these separately. If you are at your safety net level, please let your Care Coordinator know.