Initiating the journey to obtain assistance within your home is often the most difficult. The process may seem somewhat complicated. However, the effect you invest in is undoubtedly worthwhile! You will gain the support necessary to maintain your activity and independence while living in your home.
Navigating the process of obtaining government-subsidized support services involves several steps. These include registering with My Aged Care, undergoing an assessment, and meeting the eligibility criteria for services.
While this process may appear overwhelming, the experienced aged care experts at Support Services Connect Australia are committed to guiding you through the entire process, and helping you understand the aged care system. every step of the process. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the aged care system with ease.
To start your journey in securing support, contact Support Services Connect Australia’s Advisory team at (03) 9123 4560. Our professional team will work with you to determine the assistance and services for you to maintain a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle in your own home. We are also available to guide you through the registration and scheduling process for an assessment via My Aged Care.
Completing registration for My Aged Care
My Aged Care will assist in registering your details over the phone.
Should you require a more extensive level of assistance, a Home Care Package (HCP) may be the most appropriate choice for your needs.
Home Care Packages Home Care Packages deliver a more extensive range of support, enabling you to stay in the comfort of your own home for a longer time while providing enhanced flexibility.
My Aged Care will work with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAY) assessor, or the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS in Victoria) to contact you and arrange a comprehensive home assessment. This assessment will be crucial in identifying your specific needs and the services that would best serve you.
For more information
My Aged Care will conduct an assessment of your needs in your home
On the day of your home assessment:
- A health professional from ACAT will be conducting the assessment.
- It is recommended that a family member, friend, or carer be present during the assessment to provide additional support.
During the assessment, the ACAT assessor will:
- ask you questions about your daily living activities and identify areas where you may need assistance.
- They will also inquire about your overall health and any specific health conditions you may have. Additionally, the assessor will inquire about any support you may be receiving from neighbors, friends, or family members, as well as any goals you have for improving your health, well-being, and social connections.
- Based on the information gathered during the assessment, the assessor will determine the level and type of care you may be eligible for.
- They will then recommend to My Aged Care the appropriate package level and priority level for your care needs.
For more information
Getting assessed for a Home Care Package | My Aged Care
Following your assessment
Upon completion of your Home Care Package assessment, you will receive a correspondence from My Aged Care that outlines the results of your assessment, along with the approved level of support and services.
Subsequently, you will be entered into a national waiting list. In the interim, various options e.g. private services, exist to help meet your needs while you await the services
Organize your finance
While you await your home assessment, it is vital to organize an Income and Means assessment. If you are a recipient of a Service Pension, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1800 838 372.
This assessment will help determine any additional weekly income-tested fee contributions applicable to your Home Care Package. For more information on income-tested fees, please refer to the links provided below.
To book your Income Assessment with Services Australia (Centrelink), please call 1300 169 468 or contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1800 838 372. Before receiving services, you will need to complete an Aged Care Fees Income Assessment form.
For more information
Home Care Package Calculation of your cost of care form (SA456)
Choose a service provider
As you await the results of your assessment, this is an opportunity to begin researching local home care package providers and creating a shortlist. You can easily locate providers by utilizing the provider Finder on the My Aged Care website (www.myagedcare.gov.au) or by contacting My Aged Care at 1800 200 422.
Selecting a home care provider is a significant and your decision that will greatly impact your life. It is crucial to approach this decision with careful consideration for the following reasons:
- Choosing the right provider will enable you to maintain your independence and safety in your own home.
- You must feel confident in the individual attending to your personal needs.
Support Services Connect Australia believes it is essential for you to make an informed decision based on all available information. While comparing fees is a simple method, we believe many other factors should be considered when making your decision.
For more information
Find a provider | My Aged Care
Other factors to be considered
- Will you be assigned a dedicated care manager who will take the time to understand your needs, requirements, and preferences to create a personalized care plan for you?
- How frequently will your care plan be reviewed and what services will be available to you?
- What types of services are provided to address your current needs and anticipate your future needs?
When you interview the potential provider, you may need to ask:
- How do they set themselves apart from other providers? What makes them unique?
- What range of services do they offer?
- In what locations and at what times will they assist?
- Are their personnel adequately qualified? Have they undergone background and police checks?
- What measures do they implement to guarantee service quality?
- Do they accommodate any specific needs, such as language and cultural considerations?
- Review their social media platforms, what feedback are they receiving from the public?
- For how long have they been in business?
- What are their quality audit results?
Commence services
When you attain the top position on the national list, My Aged Care will send you a letter that contains your referral code and level approved for the home care package. This is an exciting milestone, as it signifies the beginning of organizing your services. You have 56 days to activate your services.
Should you need assistance from Support Services Connect Australia in finding a provider, our experienced aged care specialist will:
- Meet with you to discuss your specific needs, requirements, and preferences.
- Draft an interim personalized care plan that suits your identified needs.
- We will also review all available options to enhance the services you receive while adhering to the approved budget for your package.
- Commence the search for suitable providers in your preferred locations.
- We will recommend 2-3 providers for you to evaluate.
This personalized approach ensures that your care is tailored to your specific requirements and that you receive the highest level of support possible.
Please be assured that you are not obligated to select the provider we recommend, and we are prepared to seek an alternative provider if necessary. The decision-making remains entirely in your hands.