Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility for home care is based on an individual’s care needs as determined through an ACAT assessment. To be eligible, individuals must be:

• an older person who needs coordinated services to help them remain living independently at home.

While an individual’s financial situation won’t affect their eligibility, they may also need an income assessment through Services Australia to work out exactly how much they may be asked to contribute.

If a low level of support is required, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme may be better suited.

Restorative care provides short-term, goal-focused support to help people regain confidence, strengthen daily living skills and maintain independence. These services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team, which may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and support workers, depending on individual needs.

The aim is to support recovery and reablement, and in many cases, help prevent or delay the need for longer-term care. People approved for this pathway may also receive an additional unit of funding to support their restorative care plan.

Eligible participants can access up to two restorative care episodes, valued at $6,000 each. These are non-consecutive and must be at least three months apart.

You will need an aged care assessment to determine whether restorative care is right for you.

You may be eligible for an assessment if you are:
• 65 years or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
and have experienced any of the following:

• changes in your ability to manage daily tasks
• a new diagnosis or reduced mobility
• changes in family or informal care arrangements
• a recent fall or hospital stay

During your assessment, an assessor will talk with you about your needs, discuss what you would like to achieve and help develop a restorative care support plan if you are eligible.

We’ve compiled a handy list of questions to ask when considering a home care provider. You can download our checklist by clicking the button below.