What is aged care in Australia and how can I access in-home services? test

Am I eligible for in-home aged care services?

To access in-home aged care services you will need to be assessed by My Aged Care – a federal government service. The assessment will either be over-the-phone or in-home. This is the first step to arrange aged care placement for integratedliving services in your home. 

The person who assesses you might be referred to as a RAS Assessor (Regional Assessment Service) or an ACAT Assessor (Aged Care Assessment Team). They will be reviewing your health and medical conditions to determine the level of support you need.

To assist you with the cost of aged care, the Australian Government is subsidising in-home care support services fees. Eligible seniors may access government aged care funding assistance in order for you to you get the appropriate care you require.

To be eligible for government-funded aged care services, you may need to fulfil the following criteria:

• Aged over 65 or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
• Require assistance to do things you used to be able to do on your own.

Avoid waiting until a health situation triggers the need for aged care services immediately as it can take several weeks or months to receive services. Contact My Aged Care to get onto the assessment register even if you don’t require any services at the moment. It’s all about preventative health care.

How to apply for government-funded in-home aged care services?

Step 1

Get assessed by My Aged Care. You can choose to apply for an assessment online or you can ring 1800 200 422 to speak to their centre staff.

integratedliving can assist you with your application as well. Our friendly team will walk you through the process and talk to you about your needs and circumstances and provide useful advice to help get you get started.

Step 2

If you are assessed to be eligible for government-funded services, you will be assigned a funding package. There are three types three main types of government-funded aged care packages in Australia, these are:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

   CHSP helps older Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home, including community-based services (such as meals, cleaning and transport), home care, Allied Health and respite services.

2. Home Care Package (HCP)

   The program supports older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own homes. The support is provided through a Home Care Package – a coordinated mix of services that can include:

   • help with household tasks
   • equipment (such as walking frames)
   • minor home modifications
   • personal care
   • clinical care such as nursing, allied health and physiotherapy services.

   
   There are four levels of Home Care Packages – from level 1 for basic care needs, to level 4 for high-care needs. Funding is allocated according to these levels, and according to the outcomes of your MAC assessment.

3. Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)

   This program provides people with services for up to eight weeks. It is goal-oriented, and helps people delay or avoid long-term care by slowing or reversing functional decline. STRC services may include, but are not limited to:

   • allied health (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry etc.)
   • nursing support
   • short-term assistance with the activities of daily living
   • provision of technologies to help with day-to-day activities
   • minor home modifications

   
   A person is able to access both STRC and CHSP, however, services must be different, yet complementary. So, for example, one allied health professional such as a podiatrist, may be accessed via CHSP or STRC, but not both. STRC programs cannot be provided once someone is under a Home Care Package. It may be possible to access two STRC eight-week programs within 12 months.

Step 3

Once you know what type of funding you’ve been allocated, the next step is to arrange your services. You can choose from any provider you are comfortable with and who meets your needs. Here are some tips for selecting a provider:

• Contact a wide selection of providers to get a better comparison.
• Have a checklist.
• Ensure you know your rights a as consumer of Australian Government-funded care providers.
• Have a good understanding of the Aged Care Quality Standards. These standards represent how the aged care industry is regulated and they will help you understand your rights as an older person.
• Understand any out-of-pocket costs you need to pay for services.

Providers such as integratedliving operate on an open-disclosure policy and we will help you understand all the fees and any additional costs. If you are worried that you cannot afford your in-home care, contact us on 1300 782 896 to discuss how you can apply for financial hardship assistance.

Step 4

Once you have chosen your provider, set up your services. If you are on a Home Care Package, you will typically receive a care plan that outlines the services you need, when will they be delivered, the frequency of delivery and the fees involved.

If you select integratedliving as your preferred in-home aged care service provider, we will work closely with you to develop your care plan and determine the services you want and need. We can also assist with managing your allocated funding package to ensure you maximise the benefits from the package.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff if you have any questions about accessing in-home aged care services.