Have you received your approval for your home care package from your preferred provider or are you wanting to start receiving support to begin independently living in your own home?
If you’re an elderly person who requires a certain level of support, and the services that come with that support, to continue living in your own home, you might find yourself eligible for a home care package.
The Australian Government is able to provide a subsidy for approved home care providers in Bayswater, and Victoria-wide, towards various packages of care, services and case management to suit your needs.
You’ll be able to access a variety of services which include assistance everyday tasks, cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, attending social activities and much more.
Most importantly you’ll have the choice and flexibility to receive the care and support in a way that suits you best. An aged care provider in Bayswater will take the time to understand and listen to their clients needs, wishes and preferences to ensure that these are accommodated in your individual care plan.
Each level of a home care package will provide a different subsidy figure and this will contribute to the total cost of the services and care delivered. Furthermore, you might be eligible for an additional supplement based on your specific care needs. You’ll be provided with a case manager who will assist you in developing an individualised budget.
It’s worth noting that different providers in Victoria offer various packages that are based on what their own fees and charges are able to deliver. These can include:
- 2 hours per week for a Level 1 Home Care Package
- 4 hours per week for a Level 2 Home Care Package
- 9 hours per week for a Level 3 Home Care Package
- 18 hours per week for a Level 4 Home Care Package
Once your services have begun, you’ll receive a monthly statement that will show the charges to your home care package fund for the services and care provided. The statement will also feature charges made to your home care package by your chosen service provider which will cover any and all administration and case management costs, as well as the unspent balance.
These statements are available in paper or email format and your provider will monitor and review your level of care on an ongoing basis to ensure that the package you are receiving meets your needs.
If your situation changes, and thus your plan changes, you may be required to look at other options which include:
- Getting reassessed to see if you are eligible for a higher level of care
- Using your own money to purchase other top up services
It’s worth noting that you are able to change home care package providers if you’re in need of a better fit or you require specific services that your existing provider doesn’t offer.
Independent living is something that every elderly person should be afforded if it’s something they require.
Being able to stay in your own home at that stage in your life with minimal disruptions is incredibly important for a number of reasons especially with regards to your quality of life.
Despite the fact that aged care facilities are littered throughout Victoria, and indeed Australia-wide, the option of independent living for the elderly allows them to continue to live their life on their own terms. Particularly if they are capable of doing so.
