What can my Support at Home funding be used for?

Support at Home funding can be used for everything required to help you maintain independence; we can tailor our services to ensure you’re getting the most out of your funding. Some of the things that it may cover include:

• Domestic assistance: including laundry, meal preparation, transportation, and grocery shopping.
• Nursing care: assistance for medical treatment, wound care, and medicine administration.
• Personal care: support with personal hygiene, medication prompt, continence care, grooming and dressing
• Community: individual and group social programs, staying connected with technology, carer respite, welfare checks
• Physical support: falls prevention, exercises at home, mobility care, allied health supports (occupational therapy and physiotherapy)
• Home and garden maintenance: including minor modifications to improve access, garden cleaning, general maintenance jobs

The sort of things that won’t be included in your package include:

• Household bills and living expenses
• Accommodation
• Home modifications that do not relate to care requirements
• Travel or accommodation for holidays
• Entertainment
• Payment for services and items that fall under Medicare
• Payment of fees or charges for other types of care or services funded or jointly funded by the Australian government

Not sure if your requirements are covered by the Support at Home funding? Get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll be able to answer your queries and concerns.

Do I need to be approved before I can access home care?

Yes. Before you can access care services through the Support at Home scheme, you will need an eligibility assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine the level of support required. If you’re over the age of 65, you’re likely eligible for funding – you just need the assessment to get started! 

However, if you have not yet undergone the assessment and require care sooner, we can help. Get in touch with our friendly team today, and we can work with you to access community or private services while you wait for approval.

How can I help my parent/guardian get access to the Support at Home program?

As our parents get older, it’s important that we make sure they have the support they need to continue living independently and safely. The Australian Government recognises that not everyone will have the skills or the ability to undergo an assessment, without the help of a child, relative, loved one, or carer. As such, you can start the process of getting a referral or undergoing an assessment with My Aged Care.

However, it’s important that this process starts with a conversation with your parent or loved one, about their needs, wants, and how they wish to receive care. Support at Home services offer a fantastic way for your loved one to maintain their independence and stay in the home longer, while giving you peace of mind that they are being looked after.

When should I start looking for a home care provider?

If you or a loved one wishes to continue living at home independently instead of moving into an aged care facility, it’s important to understand the need for additional support to ensure safe and comfortable living. You should start the application for home care as soon as you identify the need for some help, even if you can still manage most household tasks and personal actions by yourself. 

The Support at Home Program is available to seniors who are 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require support for living at home. You can apply for an Support at Home funding once you meet these requirements. 

How long will it take for my Support at Home funding to get approved?

Support at Home funding is approved based on a priority system. Individuals who require more immediate care and support will typically be approved first. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter informing you of the approval and the next steps to take to start accessing home care support.

Those who have previously received funding under a home care package will automatically be transitioned to a Support at Home classification with the same level of funding as before. If your care needs have changed, you may need to undergo a new care assessment to apply for a new level of funding.

How can I switch to Respect from another provider?

Yes! Switching to Respect is easy. You’ll just need to get your referral code from My Aged Care and share it with our team so we can begin the transfer on our end. You can let your current Support at Home provider know that you’d like to cease services with them. After they confirm your end date, we’ll work with you to set a start date with Respect and guide you through each part of the transition so everything feels smooth and stress-free.

Can I get respite care for my loved one using government funding?

Yes! Support at Home providers like Respect help to ease the responsibility of providing consistent care for your elderly loved ones. Depending on the level of  Support at Home funding, your loved one can receive home care for up to 12.5 hours each week.

Do you provide short-term care and support at home following discharge from the hospital?

Yes, we can provide short-term care support as an add-on home care service for older Australians who are being discharged from the hospital and require assistance to settle back in at home. Respect’s Settling-In Program provides personalised support for the transition from hospital to home, including pickup from the ward upon discharge, transport home, and collection of medication. Getting temporary home care after surgery provides support for a smooth recovery and reduces the risk of re-admission.