Aged Care Services Canberra

Aged care services in Australia help older people with their daily lives. These services are provided by trained caregivers and healthcare professionals who specialise in senior care. They provide a range of supports, such as personal care, help with household tasks, transportation to appointments, home healthcare services, social support, medication management, home modifications, and mobility equipment. The aim is to ensure that older people can live safely, and enjoy a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Aged care services in Australia are subsidised by the government, to make it accessible for everyone. If you are 65 years old or older (or 50 and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), you may be eligible for government-funded aged care services. To apply, can visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.

There are lots of different types of subsidised aged care in Australia. Some common options are:

• Home care provided by aged care providers or community organisations. These are flexible services that assist with personal care, household chores, healthcare, exercise and mobility. The goal is to enable seniors to live independently at home, and maintain their lifestyle for as long as possible.

• Aged care homes are residential facilities that provide 24/7 care and supported accommodation for seniors. They cater for people who are no longer able to live independently at home. Staff consist of Registered Nurses, nursing assistants and care professionals with training in elder care.
• Respite care is temporary care or supervision provided by a qualified care worker, so loved ones can take a break from their responsibilities. Respite care can be provided in your own home, at a community day centre, or in a nursing home.

The federal government oversees and regulates Australia’s aged care services through the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This independent body ensures that aged care providers meet certain standards and regulations to protect the rights and wellbeing of older people. The Commission monitors the quality of aged care facilities by conducting investigations, audits and assessments. It also deals with consumer complaints, and provides information and support to people receiving aged care services.

Are you looking for a My Aged Care service provider in Canberra? To find out more about aged care and disability services in Canberra suburbs, please get in touch with our qualified staff team.

Home care and residential care both provide support for seniors, but in different ways. Home care is accessing aged care services from the comfort of your own home. In Australia, it is funded by the government through the Home Care Packages program. This program provides funding for a professional carer to support you with daily tasks, such as personal care, clinical assistance, housework, shopping, transport and exercising. The aim is to help you live independently for as long as possible, and stay engaged with your local community.

Residential aged care is living in a facility that provides 24-hour care and accommodation from qualified healthcare professionals and carers. It’s suitable for elderly residents who have more complex care needs, or who require 24/7 assistance. Residential care provides a caring environment where you can live in community with others, and have all the support you need. Like Home Care Packages, the government provides subsidies to make residential care more affordable for Australians.

Need a qualified aged carer is Canberra? Home Caring provides professional care services at home to help you be independent. To learn more about in house aged care in Canberra, please get in touch with our staff team for a free consultation with our aged care teams.

Applying for a Home Care Package is a good step towards accessing help at home, but the process can be overwhelming if you’re new to government-funded support. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

• First, get in touch with My Aged Care. To be assessed for a Home Care Package, you need to apply for an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) member to come and visit you at home. You can do this by visiting the website and filling out a form, or by calling 1800 200 422. You can also have someone do this on your behalf, if you prefer. When you apply, you’ll be asked some questions to understand your needs, and determine your eligibility for aged care. You’ll also need your Medicare card handy. It’s a good idea to set aside around 20 minutes for the application process.
• After you apply, My Aged Care will organise a face-to-face assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) member, usually in your home. This assessment helps determine your care needs and eligibility for government-funded home care. It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about aged care.
• After the assessment, you will receive a letter or phone call explaining the outcome. If you are approved for home care, you will be assigned a Home Care Package level, which indicates the amount of funding you will receive towards home aged care services.
• Once you have your Home Care Package level, you can start looking for a home care provider that best meets your needs. You can find a list of approved providers on the My Aged Care website or ask for recommendations.

Searching for quality aged care support services in Canberra? Home Caring offers personalised My Aged Care packages in Canberra to help you with everyday tasks. For more information our services, please get in touch with our friendly customer support team.

Not sure if you’re ready to receive home care services? Deciding whether to receiving My Aged Care services in Canberra? Here are the ways a government-funded Home Care Package could benefit you, or your family member.

• Enjoy staying the comfort of your own home – with a Home Care Package, you can get help while continuing to live in your own home and neighbourhood.
• Stay independent – continue making decisions about your daily routines and activities while receiving flexible support that fits your schedule.
• Get personalised care for your needs – Home Care Packages are designed specifically for you, taking into account your unique needs and preferences. A support coordinator or care planner will work closely with you to make sure the plan is perfect for you.
• Have a consistent support network – with a Home Care Package, you'll have a dedicated team of carers who will provide one-on-one attention and get to know you personally
• Maintain your usual routine – by getting support at home, you can keep your usual routines intact and stay connected with your local community.
• Cost-effective option – Home care services can be more affordable compared to living in a care facility. You can choose the specific services you need, and the cost is based on how much care you require.
• Improve your quality of life – by getting help with daily tasks, managing your health better, and getting support to participate in social activities, you can enhance your overall health and wellbeing.
• Combat loneliness – home care providers can offer companionship and social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Family involvement – your loved ones can actively participate in supporting you and visit you in the comfort of your own home.
• Stay at home for longer – by receiving home care, you can delay the need to move into an aged care facility until you are ready.

Home Caring provides quality My Aged Care home care packages in Canberra to help you live independently. If you need aged care services at home in Canberra suburbs, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with our care experts for more information.

Home Care Packages include a wide range of services to help you with everyday life, but there are some things that aren’t covered by your Home Care Package funding. These include:

• Housing payments (e.g. rent and mortgage repayments)
• Food and groceries, unless it is specifically needed for enteral feeding
• Fees for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government
• Home modifications or assets that are not directly related to your care needs
• Holiday and accommodation expenses
• Entertainment costs and expenses related to gambling activities
• Services and items that are already covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Looking for aged care package providers in Canberra? Home Caring provides high quality in house aged care in Canberra suburbs to help you be more independent. To find out more about our care services, please get in touch with our team.

If you are approved to receive a Home Care Package, you will be notified by mail and placed in a national queue until one becomes available to you. How long it takes to receive your package depends on the level you are on, as those with higher or more urgent needs are prioritised.

If you are a medium priority the expected wait time, according to the My Aged Care website, is one to three months. If you need support sooner, you can apply for a lower level of funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Program. This provides entry-level services such as personal care, domestic assistance and transport – less than what is available through the Home Care Packages program.

Looking for aged care assistance at home in Canberra? Home Caring’s dedicated teams of health care professionals and carers provide personalised aged care home care in Canberra’s suburbs. To find out more about our personalised approach to aged care, please get in touch.

Talking to someone you love about getting support for daily life can be challenging, especially if you haven’t had that conversation before. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Have the conversation in a safe and familiar environment. It’s important to choose the right time and place to chat to your loved one about their future. A safe and familiar environment, such as their home, is a good option. Make sure you can be easily heard, and you won’t be distracted by noise or other activities.

Actively listen to them. Being heard is the greatest gift you can give someone. Ask your loved one to share their feelings and concerns about aged care. As they share, listen attentively without interrupting and try to understand their perspective. It can be helpful to reflect back to them what they’ve shared, to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Share information, if they are interested. Try to do some research beforehand (the My Aged Care website is a good place to start) and share what you've learned about available aged care services. Answer any questions they may have, or point them towards where they can go for more information. Offer to help them research their options, if they are comfortable with you doing so.

Check in with what they want. When it comes to aged care, it’s ultimately their decision to make. Ask your loved one what support they want to receive, and what their priorities are (e.g. would they rather stay at home? Move to a residential facility? Be close to friends and family? Continue doing certain hobbies? Get support from an aged care worker?) Help them make decisions in light of what they value.

Offer ongoing support and love. Remind your loved one that you are here for them, and that you care about them – no matter what they decide. Let them know that they don't have to go through it alone and that you'll be there to support them, in whatever way they prefer.

Looking for My Aged Care respite in Canberra, or aged care in Canberra’s suburbs and beyond? As aged care specialists providing expert care, Home Caring provides individualised care services that helps you enjoy life, no matter what daily living challenges you face. For more information about our quality of care, please get in touch with our care support team.