A step-by-step guide to Home Care Packages for Senior Australians
As we age, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the aged care system and how to access support when we need it. If you or a loved one is considering a Home Care Package, you may be wondering where to start. This process can be daunting, but we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help make it a little easier for you.
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Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to getting the right support at the right time. If you're experiencing difficulties with daily tasks after your 65th birthday, it's important to consider an Aged Care package. These packages offer different levels of support - ranging from short-term care for those recovering from an injury, to ongoing help with tasks like housework, personal care, and transportation. Some people may even need to move into a residential aged care home if they can no longer live independently.
If you are approved for a Home Care Package (HCP), you'll likely have to wait until one becomes available before you can actually access it and start using any funds (this can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months!).
That's why it's crucial to apply for an assessment as early as possible to ensure you're ready for support when you need it most!
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Factors like your health, how you're managing at home, and any support you currently receive can play a role in determining your eligibility.
If you have:
noticed a change in what you can do;
had trouble with your memory;
been diagnosed with a medical condition or have reduced mobility;
experienced a change in family care arrangements;
had a recent fall or hospital admission,
then you may be eligible for aged care services.
You can check your eligibility online via the My Aged Care website. Just keep in mind that you must be 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) to be eligible.
You will only know certain if you are eligible after you have the assessment done (see step 3).
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My Aged Care is the place to go for Australians looking for a HCP. You can apply online for yourself or someone you care about (i.e. a family member). You should allow 15-20 minutes to complete the application form.
The application process is broken down into three parts:
An eligibility check
Providing your personal details
Confirmation of who the assessor should contact to arrange your onsite assessment
To start the application process, all you need is your Medicare card and some time to fill in the application.
Don't have access to the internet? No problem! Simply give My Aged Care a call on 1800 200 422 and a member of their team will walk you through the application process.
And remember, whether you're seeking help at home, short-term care, or care in an aged care home, the application process is the same for all types of support.
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Once you've submitted your application, you should expect to hear back from an assessor within 2-6 weeks. The assessor will be from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and will get in touch with you to arrange an onsite assessment.
During the onsite assessment, the ACAT will take the time to understand your abilities, needs, and preferences. This information will help them recommend a suitable level of care and create a personalized care plan just for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
An assessment is NOT the time to ‘look your best’ or have the house looking spic-and-span! It’s important that you show the assessor what your ‘real life’ looks like. If you pretend everything is okay you might not get the funding or support you actually need.Remember, the assessment is an opportunity to discuss your goals and aspirations, as well as your challenges and concerns. So don't be afraid to ask questions and speak up about what matters to you.
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While you're waiting for your assessment, it's a great opportunity to start looking into the different services available to you in your local area. There are plenty of resources available to help you with your search, such as online directories like My Aged Care or simply by asking friends or family for recommendations. You might also like to do a quick Google search for providers in your area (e.g. ‘aged care cleaners near me’ or ‘lawn mowing for aged care clients’) or reach out to your GP or other medical professionals for advice.
By exploring your options early, you'll be better prepared to make an informed decision once you receive your assessment results.
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After your assessment, you'll receive an initial letter from My Aged Care telling you what level of Home Care Package you're eligible for, as well as your priority level. At this stage you are not able to access any funds yet, you are simply approved for a HCP and put on the national waiting list that is managed by the Government.
The waiting time will depend on your priority level, which is determined based on your individual needs and circumstances. Current waiting times are around 3 - 6 months.
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You'll receive a second letter advising that your HCP is just 90 days away.
When you receive this letter, you may have to complete a formal income assessment. The Australian Government uses this document to work out how much you will have to pay on top of your package. To check if you have to complete this assessment you can answer a few questions on the My Aged Care website. If the answer is yes, you can complete the ‘Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA486)’ on the Service Australia website. Return the form using your Centrelink online account, in person at one of the Centrelink service centers, by post or by fax.
It’s advised to also start comparing Aged Care Providers at this stage, this will speed up the process once you’re approved for your HCP (more on this in the FAQ).
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You’ll receive a third letter letting you know that your HCP is available and what level you are in.
HCP’s are available in four levels, which are allocated depending on each person’s unique care needs - those needing a little support usually find themselves in level 1, while those with more complex care needs may require the support of a level 4 package.
Now it’s time to choose an Aged Care Provider so you can start receiving the support you need.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
We encourage you to choose your Aged Care Provider within the Government’s allocated 56 days to ensure your application does not go to the back of the waiting list! (read FAQ below for tips)We recommend Trilogy Care as a cost-effective option as they allow you to maximise your funds while still receiving the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section is designed to provide you with helpful information and answers to some of the most common questions about aged care.
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Once you have been approved for a Government-subsidised HCP, you will need to choose an Aged Care Provider to manage your package funds and your service requirements. They will act as a middleman between you and your package.
An Aged Care Provider will help you manage services such as personal care, transport, meal preparation, domestic assistance and social support. They will work with you to create a care plan that meets your unique needs and preferences.
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It’s important to understand that there are several ways your Aged Care Provider can manage your package and that this will have an effect on your funds.
Fully managed packages
With a fully managed package, you will have a dedicated Care Manager who will help you with everything related to your HCP. They will assist you with care plan assessments, coordinate care workers, cleaners, gardeners, and other services you may need.
This option is the most expensive but provides peace of mind as you don't have to worry about any of the logistics or decision-making process.
Self-managed packages
With a self-managed package, you are responsible for sourcing and scheduling your own services and equipment. However, your Aged Care Provider will still manage the financial component of the package, including payments, reimbursements, and financial statements. They will also ensure worker compliance and assign you a Case Manager to create and manage a care plan and budget for you.
Self-managing a HCP is similar to fulfilling any other requirement in life. It involves finding a satisfactory solution that fits within your budget and arranging for a contractor or supplier to complete the task. It's all about finding the right balance between your needs and resources, and then effectively coordinating the necessary services to achieve your goals.
This option provides more control and flexibility, and can help you maximise your budget.
Hybrid packages
Aged Care Providers offer a range of packages that fall between fully managed and self-managed. These packages provide different levels of client autonomy, and their costs vary accordingly.
If you're having trouble choosing an Aged Care Provider, don't worry! You can use the "Find a Provider" tool on the My Aged Care website to help you search for providers in your area.
For a cost-effective option, we recommend Trilogy Care. Trilogy offers two types of packages (Self Managed Care Services and Self Management + Care Coordination) that allow you to maximise your funds while still receiving the care you need.
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It's important to keep in mind that the cost of aged care services varies depending on the care you need, the provider you choose, and your financial situation.
The Australian Government may provide financial assistance for your care, but you may also be asked to contribute if you are able to. The amount you are asked to contribute will depend on your income and assets. There is a fee estimator available on the My Aged Care website where you can calculate how much you might need to pay.
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It's important to regularly review your Aged Care plan to ensure that your services are still meeting your needs. Your Aged Care Provider is responsible for following up on this by conducting a review at least once a year. However, you can also ask for a review of your plan at any time, especially if your circumstances have changed. This will help to ensure that you continue to receive the best possible care and support.
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It's important to highlight that during step 4 of the HCP assessment process, the ACAT may determine that you are not currently in need of a HCP. This decision is typically based on your ability to manage day-to-day tasks without significant difficulties. In such cases, you may be assigned to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) instead.
The CHSP is designed to provide entry-level support services to older Australians, enabling them to live independently and safely in their own homes.
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Sistability is an approved Aged Care Service Provider (which is different to an Aged Care Provider) and specialises in domestic care services. We can help you around your home and garden, with tasks like cleaning, in-home laundry, and lawn mowing. We work in partnership with several Aged Care Providers across the Northern Rivers to ensure you receive the care you need.
So, when you receive your HCP and require housekeeping, cleaning or gardening services to help with the upkeep of your home environment, you will need to choose a Service Provider (e.g. Sistability) that has an agreement with your Aged Care Provider (e.g. Trilogy Care). This will allow you to pay for your services using your HCP funds.
Above you can find a visual summary outlining the steps to receive support in the comfort of your own home.
We hope this guide has provided some clarity on how to apply for a Home Care Package (HCP). If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are here to help you navigate the Aged Care system and find the right care solution for you.
Ready For the Next Step?
After you receive your HCP we can assist you in your home, click the link below to discover what’s included in our services.
