5 minute read
HOME CARE FEATURE
By Tracey Johnstone
Staying at home, but not alone, is a real option for older Australians who are struggling to cope with everyday activities and their health.
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Jen, 74, (surname withheld for privacy) was determined to stay in control of her life but with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and a drop in weight of 12kg in one month, she confronted her limitations and decided to secure a Home Care Package.
“I was becoming less able to do things,” she said.
Her Home Care Package means she now can stay living in her own home and familiar surroundings for longer. Regardless of what level of care is required, Home Care support can be tailored to meet personal needs.
Once assigned a Home Care Package you need to find a provider who will work with you to choose the care and services that best meet your personal assessed needs.
Before signing up with a Home Care provider, Jen looked to her retirement village network to help her decide on what help she needed and which provider would best suit her situation.
She spent quite some time observing the quality of service being provided by Home Care companies working with other residents of her community.
“I then made appointments with several providers as I had been told by someone in the village that there is a huge difference in the rates that they charge,” Jen said.
Ultimately she appointed a provider which has a particular focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.
The coordinated care and services offered by Home Care providers can include linking a package holder to respite and carer support, transport, meal preparation and diet, home maintenance, minor home modifications, goods and equipment including assistive technology, nursing, social experiences and much more.
Jen said it helps to ask others about what services they are getting and how happy they are with their provider.
She also suggests having a written list of the services you need to have covered ahead of interviewing a potential provider.
Jen is adamant that when a service person is assigned, they should meet all reasonable requests for assistance that she asks of them.
And if the person isn’t a good fit, it’s acceptable to request a change.
“Don’t be afraid to speak up if things aren’t right,” she said.
“Luckily, my provider is very good at matching personalities.”
HOW TO GET HOME CARE There are four steps to securing a Home Care Package before you can choose a Home Care provider. 1. You, a family member or your GP should call My Aged Care. You will be asked some questions to help them asses your needs. The helpline staff will then create your client record. 2. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) member will then meet with you in your home to conduct an
assessment to identify the services required to suit your needs. 3. Once this is completed and you are found eligible for a Home Care
Package you will receive a letter of approval containing the package details including the level assigned to you. You then go on a waiting list for a package. This can take up to three months. 4. At the time a package becomes available you or your family member can contact Home Care providers in your area to find one that has the services available that suit your needs.
GAIL’S TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PROVIDER GAIL Lewis-Bearman’s husband Dick, 89, has a Level 3 Home Care Package to assist with his health needs.
Through the process of selfmanaging the package she has learnt some invaluable lessons.
“We have so many services and different Home Care providers,” Mrs Lewis-Bearman said.
“The government recommended who we could use.”
She found self-managing the package allowed her to look at different organisations and service providers to find all the services her husband needed. Not all Home Care providers offer every element of her husband’s required support.
“It was important for to us to find providers trained in dealing with elderly people with dementia care needs,” Mrs Lewis-Bearman said.
“I couldn’t believe how good the My Aged Care helpline was; they assisted me all the way.
“We have a person allocated to look after us. She knows all about us.
“If I want something that isn’t on the (package) list, she will give me a referral number to get that service,” she said.
To find out about Home Care services, service providers and how you can apply for the CHSP, talk to your GP or call My Aged Care 1800 200 422.
Gail Lewis-Bearman
Please call Jen for a free, no obligation chat about how we can assist you. Jubilee Community Care services: Jubilee Community Care services: Home Care services Personal care Personal care Food preparation Transport to and from appointments Online services/programs Shopping assistance or providing companionship Transport to and from appointments Home and yard maintenance including domestic support Clinical care and allied health services Nursing care and allied health services Light domestics and home maintenance Meal preparation Shopping assistance or providing companionship Activities – on-line or out and about Home Care Packages Award-winning provider 07 3871 3220 www.jccagedcare.org.au
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