Biggest Home Care Package Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs
When you embark upon your Home Care Package journey it’s likely that you’re navigating uncharted waters, and there are many pitfalls you won’t know how to avoid. The good news is that there are many who have gone before you and gathered lots of knowledge and tips to help you get through it without stumbling along the way. Here are the 5 most common mistakes we want to help you steer clear of.
1. Not Knowing You’re On CHSP
This one is incredibly common. So many of the people we speak to already have access to a basic level of Home Care without knowing it! If you or your loved one has already had an ACAT assessment and are in the process of waiting for a Home Care Package, it is highly likely that you currently have access to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Unfortunately, there can be a lot of confusion in this space and as you may have already discovered, communication from My Aged Care isn’t always crystal clear.
The CHSP gives you access to basic Home Care services provided through your local council. It’s not at the level you’ll receive through a Home Care Package, but it can help a lot while you’re waiting for a Package to become available.
Check the letter you or your loved one received after the ACAT Assessment to see if you have been given different codes for CHSP support along with your approval for a Home Care Package. Still not sure? Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask them directly.
2. Not Being The ‘Squeaky Wheel’: Speak Up for Your Needs
In the world of Home Care, often the squeaky wheel is the one that gets the grease. Don’t shy away from expressing your needs and preferences. If something isn’t working or you need more support, be vocal about it. Your comfort and well-being are the top priority!
If you’re waiting for a Home Care Package and your needs have become more urgent, call My Aged Care right away and let them know. If you qualify, you will be given priority and will receive the care you need more quickly.
If you already have a Home Care Package and you need even more support, speak with your provider immediately. Your provider may be able to adjust your Care Plan and meet your needs more effectively, or they will help you to request a reassessment to have you approved for a higher level of Home Care Package.
3. Not Understanding The Difference Between A Self-Managed vs. Fully Managed Home Care Package
The great thing about a Home Care Package is that it comes with choice; you’re in control of who you choose to provide your services and what services you want to use. One of the first, and most crucial choices, is whether to go for a self-managed or fully managed provider. A self-managed Home Care provider offers you more control over the services and care workers, while a fully managed Home Care package provides more security and convenience. Understanding the difference between a self managed and a fully managed Home Care Package ensures you’re able to pick what aligns best with your lifestyle.
4. Not Understanding The Role Of A Care Manager
Your Care Manager is there to help you to get the care that best suits your needs and lifestyle. They are responsible for building out your Care Plan – a vital component of your Home Care Package. This Plan should be customised to you and it should change regularly as your needs and preferences change. A good Care Manager should check in with you regularly and ensure that your Care Plan is always up to date and is reflective of your current Home Care requirements. Your Care Manager may also be responsible for the day-to-day running of your Home Care Package – check with your provider as to their scope. These responsibilities include finding, screening and managing your care workers, coordinating and monitoring all services to ensure they meet your assessed care needs and goals.
5. Not Getting Reassessed
Not requesting a reassessment can be a real missed opportunity. Over time, your needs evolve and so should your Home Care Package. Did you know that you’re able to ‘upgrade’ your Home Care Package to a higher level? The level of Home Care Package you’re approved for in your initial ACAT Assessment isn’t necessarily the one that you’ll have forever. If your needs increase, you can be approved for a higher level Home Care Package, giving you even more support.
If you already have a Home Care provider, they will be able to start this process for you – in fact, a quality Home Care provider should be able to spot when it is that you need a reassessment before you realise you do! Learn more about how to find a quality Home Care provider.
The key things that will help you to avoid any of the common Home Care Package mistakes are to understand what it is you’re entitled to with a Home Care Package and to always speak up if you’re unsure or if you don’t think you’re getting what you need or deserve.
If you need any help at all, CareAbout is a phone call away. Our expert Advisers will be able to point you in the right direction and give you advice on what you should be getting from your Home Care. Simply give us a call today and get expert support at ZERO cost to you.
