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Getting Started - In-Home Care
Many people prefer to remain living in the comfort of their own home - In-Home Care means where you live doesn’t have to change just because your care needs do.
The decision to utilise In-Home Care in favour of moving into a Care Centre is an important one that can depend on your care requirements as well as your financial situation. In the following sections is some information that we hope will assist you in understanding what is involved when choosing In-Home Care.
1. Your care options
In-Home Care, often called Community Care, are services brought to your home that, depending on your needs, can assist you with everything from housework, meals and personal care, to assistance getting out and about for social activities.
You will need to be assessed as eligible for In-Home Care by the government funded Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who are teams of health professionals. They will discuss your situation with you and help decide on the types of care that will best meet your needs and the services available. There are no fees charged for this assessment.
Following are some of the programs and services you may be able to access.
Home Support Services
Also called Home & Community Care program (HACC), Home Support Services are suitable if you require some basic help with everyday tasks, but are still wanting to maintain your independence at home and in the community. This is an ideal solution if long-term care in a Care Centre is inappropriate and you only need low-level care. An assessment by an ACAT is not necessary to access these services.
In-Home Care Packages
Community Aged Care Packages (CACP)
If you have complex care needs and would like to remain living in your own home, the Community Aged Care Package (CACP) Program can provide a planned and managed package of community care services for you. To be eligible to receive this package, you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) as requiring this level of assistance.
Extended Aged Care at Home packages (EACH)
The Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) package is a tailored to suit seniors with high level needs, with the aim for you to remain living in your own home for as long as possible if this is your preference. To receive this service, you will need to be assessed as eligible by ACAT.
Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages (EACHD)
Signs of dementia can be recognised by unusual changes in behaviour such as agitation, shadowing or other disturbances. If you or someone you care for needs assistance with this, the Extended Aged Care at Home – Dementia (EACHD) package can provide high-level care through an individually tailored package. To receive this service an ACAT assessment and approval is required.
2. What costs to expect
There are a number of different sets of payments that are determined when receiving In-Home Care packages. There are compulsory costs associated with assessed In-Home Care which are set and regulated by the Government depending the level of care required, as well as your income and assets. However, some costs associated with Home Support Services are set by the provider and could vary.
Home Support Services
Because you do not require an assessment by ACAT to receive these services, some providers may charge a small fee to cover the costs. The fee may vary between states and territories and is dependent on a number of factors such as your financial capacity and the range of services you use. Special arrangements can be made if you cannot afford to pay.
In-Home Care Packages
Community Aged Care Packages (CACP)
Contribution to the cost of your care can be requested by Community Aged Care Package providers if you are able to afford it. The fees charged must not exceed 17.5% of the maximum basic rate of pension (excluding the GST compensation supplement). However, if you’re on a higher income you may be asked to pay additional fees (limited to 50% of any income above the maximum pension rate).
If you are unable to pay fees, you will still be able to receive care.
Extended Aged Care at Home packages (EACH) & Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages (EACHD)
You may be asked to pay a fee for an EACH or EACHD package of care (GST free). As for CACP, fees must not exceed 17.5% of the maximum basic rate of pension. However, if you’re on a higher income you may be asked to pay additional fees up to 50% of any income above the maximum pension rate.
If you are unable to pay fees, you will still be able to receive care.
