We seek to provide an individual active lifestyle for people, maintaining maximum independence through life enhancing services. Qualified Staff reflect professional competence and care. Residents are ensured maximum privacy, independence and security.

Each person is recognised as an individual with the right to maintain personal choice and responsibility for their actions. People receive quality care and are encouraged to continue personal and social relationships.

We encourage people to take an active role in the day to day decisions about their life. Residents are encouraged to care for themselves as far as they are capable, and to use the range of services we provide.

There is no distinction on the basis of ethnic background or religious conviction.

Our Commitment

QUALITY ASSURANCE
Community Care is committed to providing the highest standard of care to its residents and others who use its services. Quality assurance is undertaken across all areas of service and care.
Our services are fully accredited.

History

Community Care is a caring ministry of Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania.

It commenced in 1923 as the Social Service Committee, and later became known as the Department of Social Service. It's original purpose was to provide material help to needy persons and families, and to give assistance to those with personal and family problems. This was expanded to care for the aged, chaplaincy to migrants following World War 2, industrial and hospital chaplaincy, and support for local church welfare programs. A number of opportunity shops around Melbourne support the ministry of Community Care.

In 1935 a benevolent fund known as the Christian Fellowship Association was established to provide interest free loans to people experiencing financial difficulty.

In 1979 our name was changed to the Department of Community Care.

Our work with older people began in the 1930's when a fund to provide a 'Home for the Aged' was established with donations totaling 500 pounds. With the increase in life expectancy of people, loneliness and other problems associated with aging, a need for accommodation for older people became increasingly evident.

In 1936, a Victorian style house, a Cobb and Co. staging house in a past era, was purchased for 2250 pounds and became known as Christian Guest Home (now known as OakTowers). The building was made home for sixteen ladies. Additional buildings were erected for married couples and men. Substantial additions to the property have taken place over the years.

A large property in Murrumbeena was purchased for 3750 pounds, and in 1951 opened as a 25 bed nursing home. It was named in honour of former Director, Will H Clay MBE. With the addition of further accommodation named after another former Director, William T Atkin MBE, and the passing of time has seen the home renamed the name Betheden. Wings are named to commemorate Mr Clay and Mr Atkin.

During the 1970s it became clear that there was a demand for aged persons care in the northern suburbs. Plans were developed to build a hostel and nursing home complex. However, government permission was granted only to build a nursing home.

On part of a site owned by Community Care in Northcote, Fred Combridge House, a thirty-bed nursing home was approved and built. It was named in honour of former director, Fred Combridge, and was opened in 1979.