Talking about your own, or a family member’s, aged care can be difficult. However, the sooner you start talking about, and planning your aged, the more choices you will have to achieve the best outcome for you and your family.
Together we can develop a personalised and affordable home care plan.
Start planning early
Sometimes, people don’t think about their aged care needs until an unexpected event or health problem occurs. This can make it more stressful for you to find information and support that you need. It’s a good idea to start planning for you aged care once you start to have difficulties managing day-to-day living activities. However, we strongly advise you to plan before you start to experience serious health problems as the process for getting subsidised services through a home care package can currently take up to we months for some people.
Who can I talk to?
A great first step is to speak to someone at My Aged Care to find out your eligibility for help at home services by calling 1800 200 422. You may also wish to speak to family, friends or others you know that have arranged aged care services.
And if you need help during any part of this process, the friendly team at UCWB are happy to help. You can contact our team on 08 8245 7196.
How to get help at home with a Home Care Package
Step 1: You’ve notices you are having difficulties managing day to day tasks
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to see if you are eligible for a Home Care Package. You will be asked some initial screening questions to see if you are eligible for an in-home assessment.
Step 2: Explain your need to My Aged Care
You will have an in-home assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), who will ask you questions about your daily life and health concerns. There may be some personal questions but it’s important to answer them honestly.
Step 3: Receive outcome of your assessment
The My Aged Care will send you a letter to advise you what level Home Care Package you are eligible for (levels range from 1-4). You will then go on a waiting list for services.
Step 4: Research Home Care Package providers
You can now choose which provider delivers your services. Contact UCWB to talk through your needs. We can explain what you are eligible for and talk through the services we offer. UCWB will work with you to understand your needs and provide the supports and services to help you to achieve your goals.
Step 5: Be assigned a Home Care Package
When a Home Care Package becomes available you will receive a letter from My Aged Care with the details of your package.
Step 6: Select your Home Care provider
Make contact with your provider. They will work in partnership with you to plan your services and prepare your Home Care Agreement.
Step 7: Start receiving your services
Your provider will then start providing your services. Simply alert your provider if your needs change.