Getting Assessed for Home Care

Ageing is an inevitable part of life and as we age, we may feel at risk of losing our independence. Many of us don’t ask for help when we need it and live by “she’ll be right”, attitude. 

There are many long-term care options such as Home Care Assistance, that you can use at home and continue to live safely in your own home. You can access home care support via My Aged Care, doesn’t mean you have to move and go into a facility.

Seniors often ask: “Do you need to plan for home care support before you actually require it?” The short answer is, yes, it’s hugely beneficial. Just like life insurance, it is important to think ahead and plan for your future home care needs.  Read on to learn why we encourage you to get assessed early.

Delays in Approval

The Federal Government funded Home Care Package programme has provided senior Australians options to live at home for the duration of their life. Home Care Packages are flexible and can be designed to suit you or your loved one’s needs, but these home care services have seen a huge demand with long waiting times as a result.

It can take a long time for funding to come through for a Home Care Package. The latest figures for someone considered a medium priority is up to nine months. In 2020, The Royal Commission into aged care found that those who needed the highest level of support for a Home Care Package had to wait over 12 months². If you anticipate needing any level of home care or support to continue you in-home for longer, get assessed to ensure help is there when you do need it. 

What is Home Care

Working together with your chosen home care provider, you can find the right services and care to suit your needs. This may include:

• Meals and food preparation to ensure you continue to eat well.
• Cleaning, laundry, and other chores to help you keep your home clean.
• Home or garden maintenance to keep it in a safe condition. 
• Transport to appointments, activities and social outings to remain connected to the community. 
• Changes to your home to increase or maintain your ability to move around your home safely and independently. 
• Aids to stay independent to help with mobility, communication, reading and personal care limitations.

Care Needs can Change Quickly

We have seen that by the time our clients receive funding, their care needs have already changed. If you have a Home Care Package, we can work closely with you to review your care plan services and budget if you select us to be your home care provider. If you require a reassessment, we help organise this for you. 

At Home Care Assistance we guide you through the process and help you effectively use your Home Care Package subsidy to ensure your wellbeing and health needs are met. We want you to live a safe and independent life at home.

Applying for an assessment for a Home Care Package is a quick and easy process and can be done online or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

You can also reach out to one of our friendly team members at Home Care Assistance, who can guide you through the process.