Home Care Package Providers
The Package Provider is important because they will work with you to shape a care plan that works for you. The plan will describe services to be provided and an individualized budget.
As part of the planning process you will outline your goals and how much control you want to exercise. You make the final decisions but remember it is a partnership.
You also have important relationships with your home care Service Providers and your Case Management Advisor, who monitors your package and reviews the care management plan at least every 12 months.
If you ever want to change your arrangements it is your Package provider who will work with you to make sure this happens.
It’s your choice as to who your Home Care Package Provider is.
Package Providers differ in their strengths and how they assess what is right for you, so it is worth doing some research.
Annie Donaldson
agedcare101 Registered Nurse and Carer
First, search and shortlist Package Providers that cover your area here on agedcare101. You’re able to see their expected percentage they will have available to spend on care. Next you can check the Package Provider’s website just by clicking through from their listings page on agedcare101.
These are the types of questions you should ask that may help you decide:
Check once completed
- How are they different from other home care providers?
- Can they arrange for specialist support?
- How do they support you managing your own packages? For example, do they offer training on how you can take more control of your funds?
- How often does the Package Provider get feedback from you and how?
- How does the Package Provider keep you up to date with information and resources that could help you stay at home for longer?
- Do they have their own home care workers or do they employ another agency? Who is the agency and what are their credentials?
- If the Package Provider employs their own staff, then how often are their workers trained and how do they assess their workers’ skills on the job?
- If the Package Provider uses an agency, how do they ensure the quality of their work is up to standard?
- If the Package Provider uses multiple agencies, do you get a choice in the agency that the selected workers come from?
- Do they do spot checks to make sure workers are working well?
- Do they have any waiting lists for any services they offer and if so, what they can do for you if you have to wait for a while?
- Can they help you with an emergency plan?
Once you have shortlisted your preferred Package Providers it is worth putting the word out to family and friends to see if anyone has any feedback from their own experiences.
