Planning and managing supports

Based on this initial conversation, the operator will determine whether you need a formal assessment and, if so, organise an official aged care assessment with a RAS or ACAT/S.

The aged care assessment is all about making sure that the service you receive is the one that is best for you and your carer’s needs.

The meeting is generally held in your own home or in hospital, by a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, social worker or occupational therapist.

Government funded and private support is available to help you navigate your needs, goals and preferences. In this section we outline what is involved in a home support assessment, and what to do regarding any concerns you have about the support you receive, including reviewing your needs.

Planning ahead where possible, understanding what support is available and at what cost, will make the process and transition into home care services much easier.

Reviewing the support you receive to identify when extra support may be needed – now or in the future – will be beneficial in order to maximise your experience with home care services.

Accessing any level of Government subsidised support – such as the

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Package (HCP) program requires an aged care assessment.

Government subsidised home care is only available to you if you are aged over 65 years, or over 50 years if you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. If you are under this age, but require in home support, speak with your GP or look into alternative support options such as privately funded home care (see more on page 116).

Assessments for Government supported assistance are conducted either through a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for CHSP or an Aged Care Assessment Team/ Service (ACAT/S) for HCP supports.

The first step to take, is to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register yourself for assistance.

When you call the contact centre for the first time, an operator will create a client record and ask you a number of questions about your needs, preferences, and any services you already receive. It’s handy to have your Medicare card ready when you register.

If you require an interpreter for the assessment or have any difficulties with communication, it’s important to let My Aged Care know.

There is no charge for the assessment and friends, family members or carers are encouraged to be involved.

The assessment for CHSP and HCP are very similar. The assessor will ask you a number of simple questions, which will help them gauge what supports best suit.

Topics you can expect to cover during your assessment include:

◆ Your medical history

◆ Your living arrangements

◆ Your support network

◆ Supports you are already receiving

◆ Cognitive and behavioural functions and how you are going with completing daily tasks

◆ Any health/lifestyle concerns

◆ Any other issues you may be concerned about

Even though the assessments are relatively straightforward there are a few simple things that you can do to help make the assessment process as smooth as possible.

In preparation you could gather information and referrals from your GP or other health professionals, write down any specific needs, goals or preferences you have that may help in developing an appropriate support plan as well as any questions you have about services or the process.

Some questions to ask could include:

◆ What services are available in your area?

◆ Are there any support services for your carer?

◆ How much financial assistance can you receive?

◆ What are your rights and responsibilities?

◆ What culturally appropriate services are available?

◆ Who to contact if you have any questions after the assessment?

Following the assessment, the assessor will discuss with you the result and what services and support is available. While they cannot make recommendations on specific providers, they can offer advice and support in accessing care.

After your assessment, you should be given a referral code that you will need in order to access the services you have been allocated. Make sure you ask for the referral code if you haven’t been given one.

Navigating home care options and costs can be confusing and overwhelming but it is important to know that you are not alone. The cost of home care can vary depending on the level of care you need, the services you want and the provider you choose.

The CHSP and HCP program are subsidised by the Australian Government but you are expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can. Any fees or charges from your provider are discussed and agreed upon before you commence services with them.

If you are unable to contribute to the cost of your services due to financial hardship, there is assistance available. For more information about supplements go to page 114. It’s important to keep track of your budget and how funds are being spent across the services you receive. Your provider must provide monthly statements that outline charges for care and services, administrative and case management costs from your provider and any leftover balance.

The Home Care Agreement is a legal document between you and your provider that outlines what you should expect from the care they have agreed to deliver.

Part of the Home Care Agreement is your care plan. This should detail the types of services you will receive, who will provide these services and when, where these services will be provided, as well as any individual goals you would like to achieve. Your service provider will work with you to create a care plan that best meets your needs and circumstances.

Your agreement should also include any conditions for terminating services with the provider, such as exit fees and notice periods.

As well as relying on family or friends as a support to help you make decisions, it can also be handy to know that there are a number of professional services available who can give specialist advice. While these services do come with a fee, they can reduce stress paperwork and documentation.

A placement consultant can guide you through the process, costs, options, and identify appropriate quality care.

A financial consultant will be able to help you understand what costs you will need to cover and manage your home care funds, including your account for any Government funding.

Case managers work in partnership with you, your carer and family, as well as other service providers to develop and implement individualised care plans.

If you are eligible for a Government funded care package, case managers are often assigned through your service provider.

However, if you have complex and multiple needs, or you would prefer not to use a Government funded package, you may choose a private case manager.

Visit AgedCareGuide.com.au for more detailed information or to find a placement consultant, financial consultant or case manager.