How to get home care services in 5 Steps

As we age, it’s only natural that we slow down a bit.  Have those everyday tasks that you use to find easy, starting to wear you done?  Have you heard of Home Care Services for Seniors?  Maybe your friends are even receiving it already, but you don’t know how to access government subsidised help or where to start?   Home Care Services are all about helping senior Australians stay in their own homes, by providing them a variety of services that make sure they can keep their independence and enjoy a good quality of life, all while getting the support they need.  It’s perfect for those who are feeling their age, or those recovering from illness or injury.  Some people refer to them as Aged Care Services at Home.  

Who is eligible for Home Care Packages in Australia? Anyone over 65 years old, has care needs, is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.

Here is how to apply for Home Care Packages in 5 basic steps, where we provide the Home Care Package guidelines.

At 65, shouldn’t you focus more on enjoyable activities and do fewer chores that tire you out? 

1. Understand the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Program and  Home Care Package Options

Commonwealth Home Support Program is right for you if you are an older person who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on your own and don’t yet need higher levels of support. 

Home Care Services are provided by a Home Care Packages. These packages give you access to a range of support and clinical services designed to help you stay at home and manage with day-to-day activities.  Eligibility for Home Care Packages is broad.  

2. Determine Eligibility for Home Care Packages & Book Your ACAT Assessment

Before you can access Government funded Home Care services you need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment is structured as an informal chat designed to determine your needs. You can expect it to take 45 to 75 minutes.   

3. How to Apply for Home Care Packages: Submit Your Income Assessment Test

The Department of Human Services works out the income tested care fee based on your financial information.  If you don't lodge an Income Assessment Test form you will have to pay the maximum contribution, which is the equivalent to paying privately.  

4. Select a Home Care Package Provider

The current home care model is called Consumer Directed Care. This means funding for a home care package follows you (the consumer) rather than a provider. You are in a partnership with your Home Care Package Provider.  It is worth doing your research to ensure they’re a good fit.  There are hundreds of Home Care Package Providers nationally.

5. Sign Your Care Management Plan Agreement

Your agreement should be easy to read and contain your care plan and a transparent budget. You can also request for an advocate to represent you during this process.    

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.