Perhaps you’re struggling to keep the garden from going wild, or you’re having trouble getting down to the shops. Maybe you could use a hand getting ready each day. If this sounds familiar, a home care package may provide the help you need.
Here are the steps you need to take to apply for a home care package:
- Ask yourself how you’re going
- Register with My Aged Care
- Organise an assessment with a healthcare professional
- Receive a letter from My Aged Care
What is a home care package?
A home care package is Australian Government funding for you to buy services that will help you live a full and active life at home. Common examples include:
Cleaning help
Help with showering and getting ready each day
Mowing the lawns
Help with your shopping
How to apply for a home care package
The most important (and first) step is asking yourself how you’re really going at home. Are you avoiding or ‘working around’ tasks that used to be easy? Do you find you’re relying more and more on help from your children or neighbours?
Answer these questions honestly – this can help you decide if you need help.
Once you’ve decided you may need help, it’s time to explore the range of services you may be eligible for – including applying for a home care package. To do this, you must register with My Aged Care. This is the Federal Government’s gateway to all government-funded aged care services.
You can register with My Aged Care through their website myagedcare.gov.au. You can also call their contact centre on 1800 200 422.
My Aged Care will provide you with information on aged care for:
- yourself
- a family member
- friend or someone you’re caring for.
If you’d like help with the My Aged Care application process, please call our friendly team on 1800 242 696.
After you register with My Aged Care, it’s time to take part in an assessment. This provides a snapshot of your current needs and what support may be most helpful to you.
My Aged Care will organise your assessment through a local Aged Care Assessment Service. There is no cost to you.
A healthcare professional will meet with you. They will ask about how well you’re managing your day-to-day life. This helps them understand the type of support you are eligible for.
My Aged Care will send you a letter telling you the outcome of your assessment. The letter will also tell you your approved home care package level.
There is a national waitlist for home care packages. You may need to wait between six and 18 months before one becomes available. The amount of time you wait depends on the date you had your assessment, and the priority your assessor gives you.
My Aged Care will let you know when you’ve got about three months left on the waitlist. Now is the time to choose an organisation or ‘service provider’ to help plan your care and organise the services you need.
How to choose the home care package provider that’s best for you
My Aged Care will send you a third letter telling you they have assigned you a home care package. At this stage, it’s time to select your service provider. Your provider will put everything in place to ensure your home care services begin.
Feeling overwhelmed?
With so many options available, navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming. The best place to start may be as simple as having a chat with one of our Home Care Package consultants on 1800 242 696. They live and breathe aged care services, and can cut through jargon and complexity. They will guide you through your options and help you plan your next steps, including how to apply for a home care package through My Aged Care.
Request a call today at a time that suits you.