The Australian Government provides in-home support as people age. The Home Care Packages Program provides individualised coordinated care and services for people over 65 with complex ageing related care needs. It assists you to live safely and independently in your own home for as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so. The program supports you with daily activities that you used to do for yourself but may need assistance with now. It is not a general income support program like the Age Pension.
Nursing
Light Gardening
In-Home Respite
Personal Care
Cleaning
Meal Prep
Delivered Meals (70% covered)
Shopping
Home Maintenance
Social Support
Podiatry
Massage
Dietetics
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Rails & Aides
My Aged Care is your starting point to access government-funded aged care services. They can help you get the support you need:
- You can find out what types of care are available.
- You can apply for an assessment and work out what services you are eligible for.
- You can find service providers near you and understand the costs involved.
- If you’re already receiving services, you can learn how to manage them.
Yes, you can easily make the switch if you are unhappy with your current provider. If you wish to switch to Chris Barnard Home Care, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and press option 5 to retrieve your referral code. After this, give us a ring and we will assist you in transferring. It is best to give your current provider at least 2 weeks notice of your transfer.
You will get this letter around three months before you receive your first package. This is when you should start seeking an aged care provider that’s right for you. Look into the costs and arrange visits with them. If you’ve already found a provider, contact them now to confirm they have availability for you in coming months. If you wish to utilise Chris Barnard Home Care, give us a call on 1300 602 469.
That’s ok!
You may not need your Home Care Package right now. For example, you could be managing at home without a Home Care Package, or have family/friends currently supporting you at home.
If you don’t need your Home Care Package just yet, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to let them know. Informing My Aged Care means another person in need of urgent care can be provided with the next available package.
You should:
- have your Medicare card and one other form of ID proof - such as DVA card, driver's license, healthcare card, or passport
- have a copy of any referrals from your doctor
- consider if you would like a support person present
- have any information you already have about aged care services that you may want to discuss
- have contact details for your GP or other health professionals
- consider if you need special assistance to communicate, such as a translator or Auslan interpreter
- have information on any support you receive
You will be asked about your needs. This will include things like the existing support you already have, your health/lifestyle, any health issues/concerns, family and community activities, home/personal safety & speaking to any of your health professionals.
