Page 4 - Home Care – A Better Life

Can our family afford
in-home care?
You can choose to pay for these services
privately through an approved aged care agency on a private, fee-for-service basis or apply for a government-subsidised home care package, under the new system of Consumer Directed Care.
A better life
FAQs
How do I find the right carer?
The My Aged Care website has a comprehensive list of approved Aged Care Providers in your local area. Things to consider are how experienced or well-trained are your carers? Can you choose who cares for your parent?
Can I change care providers
if I want to?
Yes, you can always move to a new care provider. Before you join a provider, ask about any exit fees as some providers charge this fee. There are many providers who don’t charge exit fees, so do your homework.
Are the care providers
trustworthy?
All Approved Aged Care providers comply with Quality Audits and Regulatory Standards and must screen staff, conduct police checks and monitor performance. Ask you provider or carer if they receive ongoing training so you can be assured your in-home professional carers have all the skills required to care for your parents.
The Government-subsided in-home care packages provide between $8,000 to $50,000 worth of service hours based on level of need. To receive a package, the person must satisfy eligibility and needs-based criteria. This help can make a very big difference, so it’s worth finding out more. To find out if you’re eligible,
visit the My Aged Care website and register
for an assessment: myagedcare.gov.au
What if I can’t wait for the
Government package?
The waiting lists can be very long. If you would like care but are either not eligible for a package, or want to find an interim solution you can
still access services on a private, fee-for-service basis. This option is 100% flexible as there are no government-funded package limitations. Private services often support families as an interim step until funding becomes available.
Is In-home care right for someone who is still very independent?
Yes. The purpose is to support elderly people to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes and keep them active in the community for as long as they can.
Did you know?
In a report by the Productivity Commission, the majority of older Australians would strongly prefer to ‘age in place’ by remaining in their own homes, rather than moving into a retirement village or aged care facility. Over three-quarters (76%) of over-60s told the Commission they want to see out their retirement in their own home. Four in five (83%) view home ownership as vital to maintaining independence and financial freedom as they age.