Earlier this year, the Australian government introduced reforms to the Home Care Packages Program that will help you live independently in your own home by providing you with more choice.
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It’s important to understand what home care services are, what the recent reforms mean, whether you might be eligible for subsidised home care, and how you access it.
What are ‘Home Care Services’?
As we age, we might need a little help along the journey. Home Care offers a solution to help you live independently and be well cared for in your home.
If eligible, the Australian Government provides a subsidy to approved home care providers towards Home Care Packages that include services, case management and administration.
Types of services under a Home Care Package might include:
- Personal services: assistance with personal activities such as bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, mobility and communication.
- Nutrition, hydration, meal preparation and diet: this may include monitoring of nutrition and hydration
- Continence management: assistance in using continence aids and appliances
- Mobility and aids: walking frames, mechanical devices for lifting, slide sheets, sheepskins, tri-pillows, pressure-relieving mattresses and assistance using these aids.
- Nursing, allied health and therapy services: wound care management, chronic disease management, palliative care and podiatry, occupational/physiotherapy/ dietican services
- Social support and transport: assistance with shopping, visiting health practitioners and attending social activities.
- And many others (check on www.myagedcare.gov.au or contact Sue Mann for more information)
What the reforms mean
The great news is that with the recent reforms, you now have a lot more choice and freedom.
Whereas before you might have been restricted as to where you could go to receive these packages and services, the recent reforms mean that you can now choose a provider that best meets your needs and goals, and change providers if you are not happy with your current provider.
The 5 Steps to accessing a Home Care Package
- Contact My Aged Care - either via phone on 1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au. If your care needs indicate you may need a Home Care Package you will be referred to an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment will identify the appropriate home care package level to meet your needs.
- ACAT Assessment – an ACAT member will discuss your current situation and assess for eligibility to receive Australian Government-subsidised aged care services. Once approved, you then join the National Prioritisation Queue until a home care package become available.
- Research Home Care providers – while you are on the National Queue, you are able to research your preferred provider who you believe best meets your personal needs.
- Allocation of a Home Care Package – you will be allocated a Home Care Package from the National Prioritisation process and given a unique package referral code.
- Choose your preferred Home Care provider – a Care Manager from your chosen provider will work with you in partnership to develop your personal care plan and budget.
Need some help to make sense of it all?
The home care system can be a little overwhelming and hard to navigate.
Since 1984, Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care has helped thousands of people receive the home care services they (or their family member) need.
If you would like some help putting a package together, call Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care on 1300 241 300 and they will be happy to help you.
