If you are just starting your journey, it is likely that you have many questions.
We've tried to answer the common questions here. For more information about the program, get in touch or visit My Aged Care's website.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is a package of care subsidised by the Commonwealth Government to provide people with supports and services they need as they age to remain living independently at home.
What’s the difference between Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages?
If you’re able to manage, but need support with a few tasks at home, you might be eligible for support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
If you need more care and support services on an ongoing basis to help you live independently, a Home Care Package may be more suitable. This will provide a package of care and services and go beyond what the CHSP can provide.
How does it work?
You choose a service provider that is right for you. The government then pays the provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs. The provider will work with you to identify your care needs and decide how best to spend your package funding. They will then coordinate and can manage your services for you on your behalf.
As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages with different funding amounts. The package level assigned to you is based on your needs.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through a face-to-face assessment, but you must also be:
- an older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home, or
- a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.
Check if you meet the requirements for an assessment or if you are ready, apply for an assessment now.
What services can be packaged?
Depending on the level of Home Care Package you receive, you can get assistance with a range of different services. The three main categories of services are:
- services to keep you well and independent including personal care, nursing services, allied health
- services to keep you safe in your home including cleaning, home maintenance and modifications, assistive technology
- services to keep you connected to your community including transport, social support services.
What services cannot be packaged?
There are care and services that you must not use Home Care Package funds for:
- items that would normally be purchased out of general income
- buying food, except as part of enteral feeding requirements
- payment for permanent accommodation, including assistance with home purchase, mortgage payments or rent
- payment of home care fees
- payment of fees or charges for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government
- home modifications or assets that are not related to your care needs
- travel and accommodation for holidays
- cost of entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events
- gambling activities
- payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
What costs are involved?
We do not charge a basic daily fee.
Some people may also have to pay an income-tested care fee. Whether you pay it, and how much of it you pay, is determined through a formal income assessment from the Services Australia. If you have to pay this fee, there are annual and lifetime limits on how much you can be asked to pay.
How long has the organisation been providing home care services?
We have been providing home support to Hume residents since 1998. We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and services and our ability to partner with individuals, cares and family members to deliver a range of personalised support and services.
How can you help me to maximise my Home Care Package funds?
This is worked on by you and your Care Advisor when developing your care plan. During the initial assessment and care planning stage, your Client Advisor will work with you to determine your care needs, goals and budget.
What is case management?
Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's needs.
Can you provide staff who speak a particular language?
We always recruit with our clients' needs in mind - be it skills or language. We also offer access to an interpreting service as needed.
What are your hours for providing services? Are you available after-hours?
Our hours of service are Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm. Services can be delivered after-hours based on a client's care plan and needs, with the exception of case management.
Can you guarantee qualified, experienced and caring staff?
Yes, we can! All staff are qualified with a Certificate III in Individual Support. We also have allied health staff including nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
What do I do if I have a complaint about the quality of the service I am receiving?
We value and encourage our clients to provide feedback. If you have a complaint, please let us know. If we do not resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you can escalate this to the Quality and Risk Commission.