How to ask for a High Priority Home Care Package?
If your needs aren’t being met by your current level Home Care Package or you are still waiting for a Home Care Package you can request a higher level priority and go up in the waiting list. If you don’t ask for it you won’t get it. Here is the best way to go about getting the care and support you need.
As part of the request process, you will:
- Need to demonstrate that you are not receiving enough care for your needs. If you have a Home Care Package are you using all the funds? Does your Care Plan record any equipment you need that you might be saving for?
- Need to demonstrate that your circumstances have changed. Has your health changed in any way? Have your circumstances or supports changed? Have you moved? Have there been changes to the way your family support you, or to your living arrangements, or some other aspect of your life? Think about circumstances which weren’t covered in your original assessment.
How to request the reassessment?
There’s two ways to request a higher priority in the allocation of a Home Care Package or to receive a higher level Home Care Package.
- If you have an existing Home Care Package – request your Care Coordinator to speak to My Aged Care. Your Care Coordinator should be advocating on your behalf to get you the care you need to stay safely at home. If you’re not getting the service and attention you need from your Care Coordinator consider an alternative provider. We can help you with this by simply giving us a call. Contact us now!
- If you are waiting on a Home Care Package – contact your original assessor, if you’ve lost their number call My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422 to arrange another assessment. But make sure you’re prepared for this call! Make a note of what’s changed since your last assessment and what services you think you need and when. Speak plainly and honestly about your situation. If you need support to do this, engage a trusted friend or relative to speak on your behalf.
The biggest point to remember is that if your situation means you need more care then you can ask for it. A good Home Care provider will help you access the care and services you need. And always remember the power rests with you, if you’re not happy with your Home Care provider you can change. Just give us a call and we will guide you through it to get you the care and service you deserve.