




Starting on the aged care ‘journey’ can seem as if you are standing at the base of an insurmountable mountain, without hiking boots, sunhat and provisions. The good news is that it’s not nearly that bad. It is important to remember that everyone’s care needs are different. This article provides some helpful information on how to make the right choice for you.
The federal government, state governments and aged care sector recognise that a one-model fix-all approach will not work. Indeed, the past decade has seen more and more awareness that not only does there need to be a range of options and approaches, but wherever possible, the users of the services should have as much control over the decision-making as possible.
While the system is not perfect, it continues to move in the right direction, with increasing awareness that everyone’s needs are different, and everyone has the right to make the decisions that best suit their personal, medical and financial situations.
There are three main types of aged care in Australia. They are:
Home care provides support in your own home. There are various levels of support one can access with the federal government’s Home Help Packages Program. Services that aim to ensure that people live as close to their normal lives as possible include:
Respite care provides assistance for carers, giving them a break from caring duties. This assistance can involve a care worker:
There are three main types of aged care facilities:
There are also two other types of care that can be accessed under particular circumstances:
Transition care is special care given to older people who have been in hospital but require further care after being discharged. Transition care can only be accessed directly from hospital. Transition care provides services such as:
Short-term restorative care helps people stay independent by improving their ability to manage everyday tasks, or delay or avoid the need for long-term care. Short-term restorative care is available at home, in the community, in an aged care home or a combination of these three.
You’ll be pleased to know that there are government subsidies available for both Home Care and in an Aged Care Home.
The Australian Government’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Package Program help people live independently in their own home for as long as they can.The federal government also provides a range of subsidies for residents of Aged Care Homes. These subsidies are paid directly to the home.
If you’re considering an Aged Care Home, CareAbout has a free online tool to compare the specialties of different Aged Care Homes and their fees and charges. Or speak to an aged care specialist at CareAbout today. Contact us now.
More information about subsidies is available in Understanding aged care fees.
Whether you are seeking Home Care or entering an Aged Care Home, the first step toward finding out exactly what you’re eligible for is to contact the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria). The assessor, usually a nurse, social worker or other health care professional, will visit you in your home and ask questions to ascertain if you are eligible for:
and also determine what other services that you may need.
The assessor will ask questions about:
The assessor will then develop a support plan that will set out the care and services that will best help you and if the services are ongoing or short term.
Navigating the aged care system in Australia can appear daunting. Don’t let that stop you taking the vital first step. Get in touch with CareAbout and find out what your options are. CareAbout can match the right care for your individual circumstances.
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care Find a Provider
My Aged Care Portal
My Aged Care Registrations
Types of Aged Care