Home care options for Australian seniors

Jun 28, 2023 | HOME CARE

Many Australian seniors choose to live at home for as long as they can, rather than move into residential aged care.

Here are four ways to manage care so that your senior loved one is well supported to live happily at home.

Four ways to successfully manage home care for seniors.

Government-subsidised Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages provide help at home for thousands of Australian seniors. Funded by the Australian Government, each Home Care Package allocates an annual amount of money to pay for individualised support services delivered in the home.

Home Care Packages are assessed according to individual care needs and are subject to an assets and income test. Home Care Package funds are allocated across four levels, spanning help with basic daily tasks at level one, up to management of more complex care needs at level four.

Services can include housework and gardening, shopping, meal preparation, personal care, assistance with transport, social connections, and nursing care.

Read more about Home Care Packages:

What can my home care package funds be used for? (agedcaredecisions.com.au)

The support delivered by Home Care Package levels 1-4 (agedcaredecisions.com.au)

Home Care Package Guidelines – Aged Care Decisions

 

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

To be eligible for a Home Care Package you must be 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require some help to live independently at home.

My Aged Care’s eligibility checker helps you to quickly see whether you meet the requirements before applying for a Home Care Package.

 

How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

Government organisation My Aged Care coordinates Home Care Packages. A member of their Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will interview you to evaluate your physical and mental health, and how you are managing at home.

You can apply to have an ACAT assessment online: How to apply for an assessment | My Aged Care or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Read more about ACAT assessments, how they work, and the timings involved:

ACAT Assessment Guide – everything you need to know (agedcaredecisions.com.au)

 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The CHSP is another government-subsidised home support program that offers entry-level home care services for seniors. Most people accessing CHSP only require one or two services to help them to live independently.

Read more about the CHSP: All about CHSP – the Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)

 

Aged Care Decisions matches thousands of Australian seniors with suitable and available Home Care Package Providers.

Here’s how our FREE service works:

 

Connect with us now to receive a FREE, tailored, interactive Options Report, shortlisting Home Care Package Providers for you to review, consider and compare.

Looking for aged care?

Get a customised list of aged care options

Private home care services

If you are not eligible for a Home Care Package or the CHSP – or if you are waiting for your funding to be assigned – private in-home care service providers can deliver a range of support services in the home.

There are hundreds of non-government-funded home care service providers in Australia, offering help with gardening, cleaning, transport, and health and therapy services.

Read more: Find a non government-funded provider | My Aged Care

 

Informal care

Regular, informal assistance, care and support with daily tasks can be undertaken by family members, close friends, neighbours, or acquaintances. Informal care can be paid, but it is often given on a voluntary basis by a loved one.

Some informal carers may be eligible for government benefits.

Services Australia (Centrelink), My Aged Care and the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway all offer helpful support services and resources for people caring for their loved ones.

Read more about the support available for carers:

Services and support | Carer Gateway

Getting support if you’re caring for someone – Caring for someone – Services Australia

Caring for someone | My Aged Care

 

Live in care

In increasing number of Australian seniors are moving in with their children, for a variety of reasons including safety, comfort, convenience, and finances.

Providing live in care can have many positives, but it’s important to consider the following issues when deciding to move your loved one into your home:

Care needs: What kind of care do they need, and how much time (and skill) can be devoted to their care needs?

Safety: Are any renovations or home modifications required to accommodate their comfort and care needs?

Relationships: What are the likely affects on relationships within your family?

Changing dynamics: How will caregiving adjust daily household routines?

Networks: Will your loved one be able to socialise and avoid isolation after the move?

Finances: How much, if any, will they contribute to household expenses?

If you need some extra help, you may be able to access financial support via the Carers Payment, Carers Allowance, and Carers Supplement.

Read more about Carers Payment:

All about Carers Payment for aged care – Aged Care Decisions

 

Aged Care Decisions helps thousands of Australian families navigate all stages of the aged care journey.

Our custom-built software together with our Placement Specialists can match your location, budget, care needs and personal preferences with providers that suit your specific needs.

Our service is 100% FREE, 100% independent, and 100% personal.

We do the running around for you, reducing stress and hassle, and at ZERO cost to you.

Contact us now to get started.

Looking for expert advice?

Talk to one of our aged care specialists

Spread the love

Categories

More Information

Home Care

Find a Home Care Package Provider you’ll love. Get a FREE list of Home Care Options.

Aged Care

Get a FREE customised list of Aged Care Room Vacancies near you.

Respite Care

Need a break? Get FREE assistance to find Respite Care options that suit your needs.

Free Download

Australian Carers Guide

Blog Categories

Aged Care Decisions

Contact

Let us assist you in finding Aged Care Services

We will assist in any way we can and are always ready to take your call.
You can contact us at 1300 775 870 or fill in the form below and we will contact you shortly.

*Please note: Job Seekers DO NOT CONTACT US. Our service is exclusive for families.*