As you age, living independently in your own home can become more difficult. If you’re finding it harder to do the things you used to, support at home might be just what you need.
Home care refers to the wide range of services that support the independence of over 65s to age well in the place they love most – home.
Getting a little help with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for longer. Utilising a range of home care services can help you to live a life in full – so that you can get back to doing what you love.
Government-funded home care
As you age, everyday tasks can become more laborious. If you are finding that you manage well at home but would benefit from some extra assistance – government-funded Commonwealth Home Support might suit you.
Services range from social support, transport to appointments or social activities as well as domestic assistance and respite care. As an entry-level support program that often bridges the gap while you await home care package approval, you may be required to contribute to the cost of care.
Sometimes an event such as a fall can mean the need for a greater level of support at home, a government-funded home care package is designed with 4 levels, supporting you from basic care needs through to high care needs.
Services range from domestic assistance, transport, personal care, to physiotherapy or occupational therapy, nursing, and medication management. The same types of care and services are available under each home care package, however the number of hours you receive increases at each level of care.
Our dedicated client connect team are experts in supporting you through the process of accessing home care – for any questions around services offered by Southern Plus, please contact our team on 1300 000 161.
Getting started
STEP 1: Find out your eligibility
Before you can access government-funded home care, you will need a face-to-face assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). You can book this by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, waiting times for an assessment can often be several weeks.
STEP 2: Getting assessed
The ACAT or RAS team will visit you at your home, learn your areas of strength and weakness to ascertain the ideal level of services.
STEP 3: You’re approved
After your face-to-face assessment, your assessor will make a decision. This will determine if you’re eligible for government-funded services – and if so, which ones you’re eligible for. If you are approved for a home care package, you will be placed in the national queue. Three months before you receive you are given your home care package. You’ll receive a letter from the government encouraging you to research and choose an organisation to provide your services. At Southern Plus, we understand how important tailored care is to your overall health and wellbeing, which is why our range of services improve your health not just maintain it. To speak to our expert team, phone 1300 000 161.
STEP 4: Ready to start
When a package becomes available, you’ll receive a letter containing your referral code – phone Southern Plus to arrange a home visit with our dedicated Client Connect consultants to learn your needs. From here, we will work with you to design a care plan that is perfectly tailored to your health goals.
