Skip to content

Home Care Package Support

Written by Freya Griffin, Communications Partner with integratedliving

integratedliving provides solutions to Australia's ageing population needs in regional, rural and remote areas. Just ask Heather.


Heather, from Tasmania, is sharing a clear message to people over the age of 65 who may be struggling with the day-to-day aspects of living at home as their health needs change over time. Heather’s message? Say yes to help at home.

Home Care Package provider integratedliving Australia is welcoming new clients in many areas across regional, rural and remote Australia. An assessment for Government Funding with My Aged Care is often a daunting first step for older Australians living independently at home. Heather is encouraging those needing extra help to pick up the phone for an assessment.

“I have developed a number of health conditions in recent years. It got to the point where living at home was becoming more challenging, so something needed to change,” Heather said.

From Hobart, Heather is aware of the needs of an ageing population. According to Census data from 2021, Greater Hobart’s population of older Australians over the age of 70 was on the rise by nearly 15,000 more people than recorded in 2016. This places pressure on community services to respond to increasing needs of people living at home where they have a sense of belonging.

“I love where I live," Heather said. "My friends are nearby for visits. I do need more help these days to stay at home and that’s where arranging an assessment is the gateway to support my lifestyle goals at home."

Currently, Home Care Package levels three and four are designed to assist people over the age of 65 with greater health support needs. Heather’s in-home aged care provider, integratedliving Australia, is encouraging people with chronic health conditions to consider contacting My Aged Care to be assessed for in-home support such as home upkeep, social visits or outings and allied health home visits.

“My Case Manager Natasha, keeps my home comfortable based on my changing needs. She has been amazing and we get along so well," Heather said. "She supports me with services and aids to stay active in the community. It’s the practical help with transport to doctor appointments that makes a big difference. Natasha arranged a walker tailored to my needs with a bag for my oxygen cylinder, so if I want to go for a walk with friends in nice weather, I can do that without the worry of running out of oxygen. It's a huge help to me,” Heather said.

A level three Home Care Package assessment also enabled Heather to have: an armchair with lumbar support, a memory foam mattress for back pain management, domestic home upkeep, shopping support and transport.

“The support workers are fantastic with the help around the home and with my groceries and shopping,” Heather said, reflecting that her government-funded Home Care Package helps both her and her extended family.

“Families that are struggling to keep their loved ones well at home can be assisted to cope better by getting more support at their loved one’s home. Showering, for example, is a great help and making the bed, vacuuming and washing floors. My son lives with two little ones on the other side of the river. Having help at home with integratedliving relieves him too,” Heather said.

For more information on Home Care Packages, see integratedliving.org.au/hcp.

_______________________________

For media enquiries, contact Jo Isaac jisaac@integratedliving.org.au 

integratedliving Australia is a leading provider of health and aged care services throughout regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Our vision is to enable better health outcomes for people who are ageing and/or living with chronic conditions so they can live, feel and be well where they choose. We are a national organisation with local staff supporting local people.