Is your loved one becoming more unsteady on their feet, forgetting to take medication, or having difficulty completing tasks around the home? If so, this may indicate that they might need some extra support at home. Making the transition to support at home can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can ensure your loved one receives the care they need with minimal stress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to assist your loved one in accessing aged care services. If they are looking to increase their current services, we recommend contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for re-assessment. If your loved one isn’t yet receiving support at home, follow these simple steps to help them get the care they need.
1. Understand the funding options available for home care
When exploring home care options, it’s important to be aware of the financial support available. The Australian Government offers subsidies to make aged care services more accessible through two key programs: the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP). To find out if your loved one is eligible for either of these programs, they will need to undergo an assessment with My Aged Care.
2. Help your loved one create a list of what they might need help with
Before your loved one undergoes an assessment for a Home Care Package (HCP), we suggest helping them create a list of potential topics that may be discussed during this process. This will help both of you feel more prepared and ensure that important details aren’t overlooked. The list can cover aspects such as their medical history, daily or weekly activities that they might be struggling with, cognitive function (including memory issues or changes in decision-making), their support network, vision and hearing, and pain management.
3. Check your loved one’s eligibility for an assessment
Before applying for support, it’s important to confirm your loved one’s eligibility. We recommend helping them complete the Assessment Eligibility Checker on the My Aged Care website – a quick questionnaire that should take just 1-2 minutes to fill out.
4. Apply for the assessment on your loved one’s behalf
If the eligibility checker indicates that your loved one qualifies for an assessment, you can either assist them in applying online or apply on their behalf. Ensure they have their Medicare card nearby and set aside 10-15 minutes for the application process. Alternatively, they can apply over the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
5. Support your loved one during the ACAT assessment
After the application is submitted, your loved one will be contacted by an assessor to schedule an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. This may take place in person, over the phone, or via video call. During the assessment, the assessor will evaluate your loved one’s needs, recommend the appropriate services, and inform them of any additional support options they may be eligible for. To assist your loved one during this stage, we recommend being present during the assessment and bringing a list of areas where your loved one may need help.
6. Assist in finding the right service provider
Once your loved one has been approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the next step is finding a provider that suits their needs. This can take some time, but it’s crucial to find a provider that meets your loved one’s specific requirements. We recommend helping them create a list of services they require, asking providers about their pricing, services and availability, and arranging to meet with potential providers before committing. For additional tips on selecting the right provider, check out our detailed article here.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to helping your loved one access the right Support at Home services. The transition may feel complex at first, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be a smooth and positive experience for both you and your loved one.