How to Access Home Care Support

A truism in Australia is that no matter your financial situation, you will never go without.  And this rings true for the elderly and frail.

There are a multitude of support mechanisms for in home support ranging from basic services offered by local councils, the federal government funded Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) for those needing low-level support, and the more prominent Home Care Packages (HCP) for those with more complex or ongoing care needs.

This article focuses on the federal government backed home care packages (HCP) which are done via MyAgedCare.

Here are the key steps you need to follow to get help:

1. Register with My Aged Care

Visit the My Aged Care website and follow the prompts or call 1800 200 422 to register your interest in obtaining support. You’ll need to provide basic details and describe your care needs.

2. Get Assessed by ACAT

The My Aged Care team will refer you to the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for a medical assessment. This is usually done at a hospital if you’re currently there following a medical episode, or it may even be done at your local medical clinic or at home. They’ll determine your medical eligibility and care level (1 to 4).

3. Submit an Income Assessment

Once you’ve had a medical assessment, it’s important to complete an appropriate income and assets form (there are different forms for different circumstances) and submit it to Centrelink.  Alternatively you can call the Aged Care hotline and verbally confirm your financial record.  By having an up-to-date Centrelink record, they will determine how much you may need to contribute financially towards your care. If you don’t submit it, you may be charged the maximum fee of $19.36 per day. Muirfield can assist in determining your fee and updating Centrelink.

4. Wait for Package Assignment

Due to high demand, wait times vary.  The My Aged Care team do prioritise critical cases, but you can expect to wait several months before your package is granted.

Recent reforms within the aged care sector will hopefully alleviate wait times.

5. Choose a Provider

Once assigned a package, you’ll receive a referral code. Use it to find and choose a provider that suits your needs. If you need help finding a suitable provider, there are package assistants who can guide you.  Muirfield has contacts in this space so please reach out if you need direction.

Depending on your package level, services may include:

• Personal care (bathing, grooming)
• Nursing and allied health
• Meal preparation
• Cleaning and home maintenance
• Transport and social support

6. Sign a Care Agreement

Work with your provider to create a Care Management Plan and budget. This outlines the services you’ll receive and how your funds will be used.