Waiting for Home Care Package funding? Get support while you wait!

The wait for your Home Care Package funding can be frustrating and exhausting! But remember, you’re not in this alone. There are support services available to you while you wait. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

Home help while you wait

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides quicker access to care, although you are still required to register with My Aged Care and have your needs assessed. It’s an entry-level program so it only provides limited support for selected services based on the provider. You don’t control how the money is spent or how much you can access. You will need to pay for this support but it’s heavily subsidised by the government.

Privately-funded Home Care services

Private Home Care is fee-for-service in-home care that’s not subsidised by the government; rather, it’s completely funded by you. The upside is that you can access private Home Care at any time. While perhaps not the ideal, paying for in-home care could be seen as an investment in your future health, allowing you to remain independent and living safely in your own home. Some studies have shown that the more help you receive at home, the lower the chance that you’ll need to enter permanent residential Aged Care.

You can access any service that you need (e.g. help with showering, dressing and wound care), but it’s important to choose a Home Care Package provider that’s accredited by the Australian Government.

To learn more about funding your own Home Care, have a chat with one of our expert Care Advisers.

Support options via your GP

Your GP can help connect you with other forms of Home Care support to help you remain at home. Depending on your health needs, your GP may be able to:

arrange a Care Plan so you can access 5 free visits to an allied health professional
request half-price taxis
connect you with community supports and volunteer organisations in your area.

Other things to do while you wait

Start researching Home Care providers

There are over 900 Home Care providers Australia-wide all with different pricing and value offerings. So how do you choose?

Start by thinking about the type of support services you might like to receive.

For example, are you a bit wobbly on your feet or do you tire easily? Then perhaps you need some home modifications such as grab rails in the bathroom or a removable shower head so you can shower sitting down. Maybe you need help with cleaning? Or someone to come in and prepare meals for you with recipes and ingredients you like?

And then there’s the fees to consider. Unfortunately, provider fees and systems are all different and can often be difficult to assess and compare. That’s why CareAbout offers a guiding hand through the process. We take the time to explain your options clearly and simply, as well as provide expert advice. We can also help you to find a high-quality provider that you can trust (no unreasonable fees!) and that will meet your unique needs.

We undertake a rigorous vetting process with all the providers we recommend. Transparency and clarity around fees and charges is one of our top priorities, so you can rest assured that you won’t be hit with any nasty surprises!

CareAbout is here to answer any questions you might have along the way. Our service is free and will save you hours of time researching options.

Speak to your local MP

The demand for Home Care Packages shows that older Australians want to stay at home but they need some help. Waiting for over a year for support is unacceptable. The health and wellbeing of older Australians needs to be a priority. Speak to your local federal Member of Parliament to see what they are doing to shorten Home Care Packages wait times.

Search here to find your local federal Member of Parliament. Send them an email, write them a letter or simply call their offices and ask them what they are doing to support older Australians to remain living at home.

Current wait times for Home Care Packages

The expected wait time for an approved Home Care Package for people with a medium priority (starting from the date on the letter of approval) is:

Level 1: 3-6 months
Level 2: 6-9 months
Level 3: 9–12 months
Level 4: 12–15 months

*Last revised on 30 September 2024 (myagedcare.gov.au)

Find the right Home Care provider with CareAbout

CareAbout is Australia’s leading Home Care placement service. We’ve helped thousands of families choose the right Home Care provider for their needs and we would love to help you too.

To find a quality Home Care Package provider, speak to an expert adviser at CareAbout.

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