Are you waiting for your Home Care Package to be approved or assigned?
Read on for the answers to commonly asked questions about how to make the most of your Home Care Package – and what you can do while you’re waiting:
How can I check on my Home Care Package application?
Wait times for assessments, approvals and assignments can be lengthy. How long you will wait depends on national demand, and the level of Home Care Package you require.
You can check the progress of your application or assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or by logging into your My Aged Care online account.
If you haven’t yet set up an online account, follow these instructions: Access your Online Account | My Aged Care
My Aged Care has also published this Online Account Guide – which includes a handy instructional video about how to use your online account:
How to use your Online Account | My Aged Care
When can I start looking for home care providers?
Ideally, you should start looking for home care providers as soon as your Home Care Package is APPROVED.
Once your package is ASSIGNED you only have 56 DAYS to find a provider and enter into a Home Care Agreement before you risk having your Home Care Package funding withdrawn.
If you do not enter into a Home Care Agreement in the time allowed, you will get a letter to let you know that your Home Care Package has been WITHDRAWN, and you may be placed back into the national priority system.
You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to ask for a 28-day extension if you are having difficulty finding an approved provider within the 56 days or need some extra time to choose.
Finding the home care provider that best matches you needs can take time – and lots of running around.
Aged Care Decisions’ Placement Specialists can create a FREE personalised options report for you that includes the home care providers in your area that match your budget, care needs and personal preferences – so you can easily compare and shortlist your favourites.
Connect with Aged Care Decisions now to get started.
Can my ACAT assessment expire?
No. ACAT assessments don’t expire, unless granted only for a specific period.
What if my circumstances change while I’m waiting?
If your circumstances change you can request a new assessment with My Aged Care. A new assessment won’t affect your place in the queue but will ensure you receive a package that covers your care needs.
What are my options if I need care while I’m waiting?
Commonwealth Home Support Program
If you are eligible, you may be able to receive temporary access to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Read more:
All about CHSP – the Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
An interim package
You may be able to access services via a lower level ‘interim’ package, which may be available for if you have been assessed as needing a Level 2, 3 or 4 Home Care Package.
Interim packages do have a wait time, but if you accept an interim package, you will not lose your place in the waiting list for your approved Home Care Package.
Private or volunteer home care services
You may access privately funded care services, which you must pay for in full, without government subsidies. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to connect you with community supports and volunteer organisations in your area.
Fast-tracked application
If you are in a crisis or at risk of harm while you’re waiting, your application may be fast-tracked. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out whether this option might apply to your circumstances.
What can my Home Care Package pay for?
A Home Care Package can fund supports and services covering everything from the basics, such as help with household tasks, transport, and shopping, to higher level nursing and medical support, including regular home visits from a registered nurse.
Read more:
What can my Home Care Package funds be used for? (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
How do I choose the right home care provider?
The right Home Care Package Provider will deliver quality service, offer value for money and be there for you when you need them.
They will ensure that you have enough funding to cover the cost of the services they organise, and they will help you to stretch your home care budget further, maximising the hours of care you receive.
So how do you find the right one?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can assist.
Our 100% FREE aged care matching service assists tens of thousands of Australian families each month to navigate all stages of the aged care journey.
Our custom-built software together with a dedicated Placement Specialist can match your location, budget, care needs and personal preferences with Home Care Package Providers that suit your specific needs.
We can do the running around for you – and our service will cost you NOTHING.
