Comprehensive guide to help navigate aged care services

As our parents age, understanding the types of care and services available becomes crucial. My Aged Care, a Federal Government initiative, aims to simplify access to information about government-funded aged care services in Australia.

Navigating My Aged Care can be a bit overwhelming at first. To assist you, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through the process, types of care, funding options, and home care packages available for you and your elderly loved ones.

Step 1 – Initial Contact

Start by reaching out to My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 or visiting www.myagedcare.gov.au to check your eligibility for government assistance. Be prepared to answer questions about your situation, which will take about 10 minutes. Have your Medicare card handy during this process.

Eligibility:

• Aged 65 years or older (or 50 years for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
• On a low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness (50 years or older, 45 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
• Struggling with daily tasks, reduced mobility, or have a medical condition
• Experienced a recent change in family care arrangements or suffered a fall
• Recently returned from a hospital stay

Step 2 – Screening and Assessment

A My Aged Care representative will schedule an assessment to understand your needs. This can be a face-to-face or telephone assessment covering your living arrangements, health conditions, and required support services. It’s important to describe your worst day to ensure the assessor fully understands your needs.

Step 3 – Support Development

After the assessment, you’ll receive a letter outlining:

• Your eligibility
• The level of the approved package (four levels)
• The rationale behind the decision
• Your support plan detailing the assistance required

Step 4 – Finding Service Providers

With your support plan in hand, you’ll receive a unique My Aged Care number and a referral code. Use these to find service providers via the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website or ask for assistance. Remember, there might be a wait before a Home Care Package is assigned due to high demand.

The Australian government subsidises the cost of home support services, but what you pay depends on your services and financial situation. If you need minimal support, you might qualify for subsidised services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

Step 5 – Contacting Service Providers

Using your My Aged Care number and referral code, contact the service providers to discuss your needs, goals, and their availability. Key questions to ask include:

• Differences in their home care services
• Core values and experience
• Monthly care and package management fees
• Hourly service rate
• Allocation of funds and availability of monthly statements
• Consistency of caregivers
• Quality checks and complaint resolution
• Reassessment processes for increased care needs
• Exit fees if switching providers

Step 6 – Service Agreement and Implementation

Once you find a suitable provider, they’ll help you develop a service agreement outlining services, costs, and schedules. The services will commence as per the agreed plan. Your provider must comply with the Charter of Aged Care Rights, ensuring your rights are respected.

Step 7 – Ongoing Review and Monitoring

My Aged Care will regularly review your care plan to ensure your needs are met, making adjustments as necessary. Stay informed about your rights and options, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Home Care Packages Levels and Waiting Times:

• Level 1: Basic care needs – $10,588.65/year, 3-6 months wait
• Level 2: Low care needs – $18,622.30/year, 9-12 months wait
• Level 3: Intermediate care needs – $40,529.60/year, 9-12 months wait
• Level 4: High care needs – $61,440.45/year, 9-12 months wait

What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

• Personal services (bathing, dressing, mobility)
• Nutrition and meal preparation
• Continence management
• Mobility aids (crutches, walkers)
• Nursing and allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, colonics, dietitian)
• Transport and personal assistance
• Telehealth services
• Assistive technology and daily living aids

What Can Home Care Package Funds NOT Be Used For?

• Day-to-day bills
• Food and rent
• Travel and accommodation
• Entertainment activities
• White goods (e.g., fridges, TVs) however, if you have high incontinence needs a washing machine may be permitted

Available Supplements for Extra Needs:

• Dementia and cognitive supplement
• Oxygen supplement
• Enteral feeding supplement
• Viability supplement
• Hardship supplement
• Rural area supplement