If you have reached a point in your life when you believe you would benefit from a Home Care Package, there are a number of factors to consider, and ways in which the highly qualified team at Home Care Assistance can help you to navigate what can seem like a daunting process for many.
Research has shown that most older Australians would rather receive help at home than relocate into an aged care facility to retain the familiarity of their own home and their independence. This is made possible thanks to Home Care Packages funded by the federal government.
Home Care Packages are government funded and tailored to the individual. They are an option for anyone who has care needs and especially helpful when a coordinated approach to the delivery of help at home is needed. They can cover everything from assistance with everyday tasks such as housework, gardening and cooking to more complex services such as personal care or wound care. Home Care Packages are a great option to stay at home for most older Australians with the level of funding increasing with the level of required support.
In order to qualify for a Home Care Package, you need to be over 65 years of age (50 years or older for Aborigninal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require support in at least three areas of your life. For example: Transport, help with meals and support with housework.
Home Care Assistance is here to support you through the process below. You can find your local team HERE.
f you only need support in one or two areas of your
daily life, or are looking for extra assistance while you’re waiting for your Home Care Package, entry-level subsidised home support is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Contact your local office and one of our friendly team members will guide you through the process so you can stay in the community you love.
The great news is that Home Care Packages are free to fully funded aged care pensioners. Partially self-funded or fully self-funded retirees are also eligible for a Home Care Package. You may need to pay an income-tested care fee, which could be as small as $7 per week. You can estimate your care fee using THIS LINK
Home Care Assistance charges a Basic Daily Rate should your care needs be greater than what is funded by your Home Care Package.
Applying for an assessment is a quick and easy process and can be done online or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You will need your Medicare card handy to complete the assessment. Your GP is also able to refer you for an assessment. If you need some assistance or have further questions about the process, get in touch with Home Care Assistance and our friendly team will be more than happy to help guide you through the process.
Within three weeks of contacting My Aged Care, you will be contacted to arrange a face-to-face meeting in your own home to better understand your support needs. You can find out more about what happens at your face-to-face meeting and how best to prepare for it here.
Home Care Assistance is here to support you through the process below. You can find your local team HERE.
Once you’ve been approved for a Home Care Package, you will be placed on the national queue to wait for a package. The expected wait times can be found here. These times will be shorter if your approval is “High Priority”.
When your Home Care Package wait time is less than three months, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care letting you know that it is time to find a Home Care Package Provider. This is the perfect time to get in touch with the team at Home Care Assistance.
The dedicated team at Home Care Assistance works
alongside you to create an individualised care plan. We make it easy to receive the best possible value and care from our service. We know from experience, that carefully listening to you allows us to meet your needs and for you to continue living life to the fullest.
Home Care Assistance is here to help you navigate your Home Care Package to best benefit you. By setting up a call we can assist you through the process. You can find your local team here.
Do you have any other questions?