Senior Care

Senior home care means getting help and support in the comfort of your own home. It's a type of care that is designed to fit your specific needs and preferences, so you can continue being independent and enjoy quality of life in the community, rather than moving into an aged care facility before you are ready.

Home care services can include getting help with personal care, doing household chores, preparing meals, managing medications, transport to appointments, getting mobility equipment, exercise classes, allied health therapies, assistance with grocery shopping, respite care, specialised dementia care, and specialised nursing care. These services are usually provided by support workers or Registered Nurses who are specially trained to support older people at home.

At home senior services is a good option if you don't want to move into assisted living or a nursing home. It gives you personalised care that fits your unique needs, and it also brings peace of mind to your family members, knowing that you’re receiving professional care and support in a place where you feel safe and happy.

In Australia, senior home care is subsidised by the Government, making it more affordable for older people. If you need help at home, you may be eligible to receive a Home Care Package, or services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) rather than going into residential care. Both of these programs provide government-funded services, delivered by a provider who you choose.

A Home Care Package provides funding that can be used to pay for a coordinated range of services like personal care, help with household chores, nursing care, and therapy services. The program is designed to be flexible, so the services can be tailored to the specific needs of each person. The CHSP is similar to a Home Care Package, but provides a lower level of services for people who only need a small amount of help at home.

To apply for a Home Care Package or support through the CHSP, you need to take the following steps:

• Contact the Australian Government's My Aged Care service to request an assessment. My Aged Care is the starting point for accessing aged care services in Australia. You can reach them by calling 1800 200 422 or by visiting their website.
• During your initial contact with My Aged Care, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility and care needs. If your screening indicates that you might benefit from home care services, My Aged Care will schedule a comprehensive assessment with you, in your own home. This is conducted by either an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). You can have a support person with you, if you wish.
• After the comprehensive assessment, if you are eligible for government-funded senior help at home, you will receive a letter notifying you of your approval for home care services. This letter will also outline the level of funding you are eligible for, and the type of care that best suits your needs.
• You then have the option to choose your preferred home care provider. My Aged Care can provide you with a list of approved providers in your area, along with information about their services and fees. You can research and compare providers in your area, to find the one that best meets your needs.
• Once you have chosen a home care provider, they will work with you to coordinate and deliver your approved services. Your care plan and services will be regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet your needs. You can request changes or adjustments to your care plan if necessary.

It is also possible to pay privately for senior care at home in Australia, if you prefer. When paying privately for senior care at home, you can directly engage with a home care provider of your choice and negotiate the services and fees with them. This allows you to have more flexibility and control over the type and amount of care provided.

Home Caring provides Home Care Packages for seniors who need help living at home. Our quality staff provide experienced services that meet your unique needs. To find out more, please get in touch with our customer services team.

To be eligible for a Home Care Package in Australia, you must be:

• aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or have a special category visa to access government-funded home care services
• have care needs that mean you require assistance to continue living independently at home

To determine your eligibility and the level of care you require, you need to complete comprehensive assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment evaluates your physical, mental, and social needs and determines the appropriate level of support for your needs.

Home Caring provides government-funded senior care for people who wish to continue living at home, rather than move into an aged care home. Our experienced support workers support you with everyday tasks, so you can live with confidence. To find out more, please get in touch with our staff.

The Australian government subsidises the cost of senior care at home, to make it affordable for more people. This means that the cost of a Home Care Package varies, depending on the level of care you need, and your financial situation.

Here are some of the fees you may have to pay towards your Home Care Package:

• Basic Daily Fee – this fee is set by the Australian Government and is applicable to all Home Care Package recipients, adjusted annually as a percentage of the basic age pension
• Income-Tested Care Fee – this fee is based on your income and is means-tested. The Department of Human Services calculates this fee using your assessable income and applies a sliding scale. Full pensioners do not have to pay an income tested fee.
• Your senior care provider might charge extra fees for their services, so it’s a good idea to enquire before signing a service agreement, so you know what fees you will have to pay.

If you are receiving support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you are expected to contribute towards the cost of your services, if you can afford to do so. You won’t be asked to cover the full cost of services, and any fees must be agreed on with your service provider.

Home Caring provides affordable senior care at home, to help you achieve the life you want. We’ll help you make the most of your government funding, and charge minimal fees so there’s less stress for you and your family. To find out more, please get in touch with our staff.

Home Care Packages offer a wide range of senior caring services to meet different needs. This can include:

• Senior personal care (e.g. help with showering and getting dressed)
• Domestic assistance around the home
• Help with grocery shopping
• Meal preparation to help you eat well
• Transport to appointments and activities
• Allied health therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry)
• Nursing care
• Complex care for high needs
• 24/7 support and overnight stays
• Respite care
• Continence management
• Specialised dementia care
• Home modifications
• Exercise classes to keep you healthy and strong
• Garden and home maintenance
• Mobility equipment and assistive technology
• Social activities and companionship
• Palliative care and support for families
• Exercise, health and wellbeing support

Home Caring’s qualified support workers and Registered Nurses provide a wide range of senior care services to help you live independently at home. To find out more, please get in touch with our senior care experts.

The Home Care Packages program provides different levels of support to help older people live confidently in their own homes. There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each offering a different level of funding and support based on your care needs:

Level 1 – this is the entry level package that provides basic support to people with low care needs. It may include services like domestic assistance, transportation, or personal care. This level of package is usually provided to people who need minimal assistance for everyday tasks.

Level 2 – this level provides more support for those with low to moderate care needs. It includes services such as meal preparation, medication management, or allied health services (e.g. podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech therapy or occupational therapy).

Level 3 – this level provides a more comprehensive range of services for older people with moderate care needs. It may cover things like nursing care, special equipment or mobility aids, or assistance with transfers. This level suits seniors who have significant health challenges and need regular support to continue living at home.

Level 4 – as the highest level of support, this includes a broad range of services such as intensive nursing care, complex medical treatments, or specialised dementia care. Level 4 packages are designed for people with complex health conditions who require substantial assistance to remain in their own homes.

You can change your level of Home Care Package once you have been assigned one. If you find you need a higher or lower level of support. To do this, you will need to request a reassessment through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in your area.

When you have a Home Care Package, you have the freedom to pick a provider that you like, based on their reputation, experience, the services they offer, where they are located, and if they can give you the care you need. That’s why i's a good idea to look at different providers and see which one is the best fit for you.

You can also choose your own carer, if you are receiving supports in your own home. Providers like Home Caring carefully match you with a carer who suits your needs, health conditions and personality. We work collaboratively with our clients, so that you receive the support that best meets your needs.

If you need help choosing a provider, you can get advice from the My Aged Care website or talk to someone you trust, like a family member or friend. They can support you in finding the right home care provider for you.

Home Caring’s compassionate carers and Registered Nurses are personally matched to each of our clients, to ensure a good fit. To find out more, please get in touch with our senior care experts.