A step-by-step aged care guide

When approached to assist with navigating the aged care system for a client or family member, the JewishCare team is equipped to help, with social workers and case managers on hand. While big enough to have the widest range of resources with guaranteed best practice, JewishCare is, at the same time, small enough to really care about its clients’ individual needs.

With experienced and caring staff, JewishCare can provide and coordinate help needed now and in the future. All staff understand the cultural needs of our community.

How to get started

Often getting started is the first step. If you have not yet been approved for Government supported services, for example a Consumer Directed Care Package (often referred to as a package) or Commonwealth Home Support Service:

• You will need to be assessed by My Aged Care (a government organisation). JewishCare can support you through this process.

• Visit My Aged Care (website www. myagedcare.gov.au) and complete the form or phone 1800 200 422, if you prefer to speak with someone

If you have approval for a Consumer Directed Care Package or Commonwealth Home Support Service: • In many cases JewishCare is able to provide a more beneficial range of support services for you. This may relate to the free add-on services that other providers cannot provide. I refer to JewishCare’s dedicated occupational therapy, registered nurses or social workers, programs and services specific to Holocaust survivors and access to a dedicated team trained to look after you in a culturally specific way.

How JewishCare helps

Adopting a person-centered approach, JewishCare acknowledges that you (as the consumer) are best positioned to advise on the type of help needed to make a difference, enabling you to continue to live your best life at home and independently. Services from JewishCare extend beyond the home and include its community club networks and volunteers to combat social isolation and build relationships with different generations.

JewishCare’s focus on the individual JewishCare’s extended team (social workers, occupational therapist, registered nurses and case managers) play a significant role in providing coordinated support and understanding, enabling you to continue living independently. The team also provides emotional support to you, your family and carers.

JewishCare’s suite of aged services covers:

• Home assessments and follow up of recommendations;

• Functional capacity assessments and follow up of recommendations;

• Equipment assessments; and

• Referrals for and follow up of home modification assessments.

Naturally, follow up on any of its recommendation is part of its services, as JewishCare ensures that each person it looks after has ongoing choice in terms of what is wanted and needed to support an active, caring and dignified life in their senior years.

For a confidential discussion about meeting your aged care needs, call 1300 133 660 or email hello@jewishcare.com.au