Are you finding the application process of home care package hard? Do you want some help? Our friendly team of Care Managers can help. With an understanding of the process inside out, we can help you get started right away.

Our team is here to hand-hold you through each of the steps involved, including navigating how government agencies (MyAgedCare and ACAT) work, help with completing the application forms, and accessing private care services if need be.

What can my care package be used for?

The Home Package funding can be used for everything that is required to ensure you maintain independence; we can tailor our services to make sure you’re getting the most out of your funding. Some of the things that it may cover off include:

• Domestic assistance: including laundry, meal preparation, transportation, and grocery shopping.
• 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
• Accomodation
• 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 Australian government

Not sure if your requirements are covered by the Home Package 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?

Before you can access regular aged care services through the home package scheme, you will require an eligibility assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine the level of service 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 in-home care?

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. Home care services offers 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 wish 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 Home Care Package (HCP) 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 HCP once you meet these requirements. 

How long will it take for my home care package to get approved? 

Home Care Packages are approved based on a priority system. Individuals who require more immediate care and support will typically be approved first. Most applicants will be assigned a medium priority — this usually an expected wait time ranging from 3 – 15 months based on the assigned level of care. 

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

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter informing of the approval and the next steps to take to start accessing home care support. 

How can I switch to Respect from another provider?

Switching your package provider to Respect is easy – we’re here to make the transition as manageable as possible. All you need to do is get in touch with our team, we’ll give you a referral code, you can then inform your current provider to cease services, and then organise a start date with Respect. We’ll walk you through the process to make it as seamless as possible!

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

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