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Adult Community Residential Mental Health

For people aged 25-64 years of age

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We offer access to community residences to assist in recovery from mental health issues.

What we do

Alfred Mental Health service has a number of residential community options to assist people in their recovery. These include:

Alma Road Community Care Unit (ARCC)

ARCC provides a medium term residential rehabilitation program for up to 15 people living on site in four shared self-contained units. It has 24 hour on-site clinical support and case management.

Team members include:

We can also refer you to an employment consultant, dietitian or other services as appropriate.

Prevention and Recovery Care Unit (PARC)

PARC is a 10 bed unit which is managed and delivered in collaboration with Mental Illness Fellowship and provides a safe home like environment.

PARC provides care and support to people during early stages of relapse (step-up) or immediately post discharge from hospital (step-down).

Clinical support is provided by an Alfred psychiatry-employed psychiatric nurse Monday-Friday during business hours and after hours by our Mobile Support and Treatment Team and Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT), with MI Fellowship providing 24 hour on site support.

Our programs are based on the principles of Recovery Oriented Practice:

  • we encourage self-determination and self-management of people’s mental health and wellbeing
  • our program involves tailored, personalised, strengths-based care that is responsive to people’s unique strengths, circumstances, needs and preferences
  • we support people to define their goals, wishes and aspirations
  • we use an approach to working with people that addresses a range of factors that impact on their wellbeing, such as housing, education and employment, and family and social relationships
  • we support people’s right to social inclusion, community participation and citizenship

Who we care for

ARCC and PARC care for clients who are currently part of an Alfred mental health service. Clients must:

  • be aged between 18-64 years of age
  • live in the inner south of Melbourne
  • require residential rehabilitation services

PARC also delivers care to clients of Inner South Community Health Service (ISCHS) Mental Health Service.

What to expect

We will work with you to help:

  • assist you in self-management of your illness so as to improve your quality of life
  • reduce the need for an in-patient admission to hospital
  • improve your skills and independence
  • assist you in identifying goals and aspirations for the future
  • keep in touch with your family, friends and carers
  • participate in local community activities so as to promote social inclusion

Commonly asked questions

How long will I stay?

This is dependent on which program you have been referred to.

What is PARC?

PARC is a short term program that provides support, care and treatment –average stay is 2 weeks but can be up to 28 days.

What is ARCC?

ARCC has an initial 6 week assessment program, to allow you and the team to determine whether or not this is the right place and program for you in your recovery journey. If the decision is made to continue with the program, then how long you stay will depend on your progress and discharge goals. Average stay is between 6- 24 months. We will work with you to decide the right length of time you spend with us. We will also support you in exploring where you will go after ARCC.

How can I access these services?

PARC referrals are accepted from:

  • Alfred Psychiatry Case Managers/Treating Teams

  • ISCHS Mental Health Service Case Managers/Treating Team

  • All other referrals via Alfred Psychiatry Triage 1300 363 746

For further information please contact PARC Senior clinician on 9832 9300 (M-F Business Hours)

ARCC referrals are accepted from:

  • An Alfred Psychiatry case manager or through community intake service (M-F business hours) on 9076 9888

Will I have to pay?

There is no payment required for a stay at PARC.

At ARCC, there is no payment required for the first 6 weeks whilst you participate in the assessment program. If the decision is made to continue at ARCC, all participants are expected to pay rent. More information about this will be provided by staff at ARCC.

Can I smoke and drink alcohol?

No alcohol or other drugs may be consumed on the premises. Persons who are intoxicated may be asked to leave. Alfred Health is a smoke free environment and smoking is not allowed within the Units. If you wish to smoke you must do so outside of the premises.

What to bring

For an overnight (or longer) stay

  • Dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
  • Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving cream, shaver, toothpaste and deodorant
  • Something to do, like a book, a magazine or an iPad/tablet with headphones

Don’t bring (for an overnight or longer stay)

  • Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
  • Valuables, such as jewellery or watches
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