As the Australian population ages, the demand for home care services has significantly increased. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2019-20, there were over 1.4 million people who received aged care services, and the majority of them received services in their own homes.
If you or your loved one needs home care services, the first step is to apply for an assessment through My Aged Care. This assessment is necessary to determine the level of care needed and the appropriate services to be provided. It’s important to start the assessment process as soon as you notice any changes to your health or ability to manage everyday tasks.
To prepare for the Aged Care Assessment, you should gather information about your medical history and how you manage your daily activities. This will help the assessor to determine your care needs accurately. The assessment can be conducted in your home, and usually takes about 1-2 hours.
After the assessment, a care plan will be developed, and you will be informed of the available services and providers in your area. This is where HomeServe Care Partners come in. They are uniquely positioned to assist in this process, providing expert guidance on choosing the appropriate services that meet your individual needs.
It’s essential to know that you are not alone in this process. HomeServe Care Partners will provide reassurance of support and assistance if you need it, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with your choices.
Being proactive and starting the assessment process while you are still able is crucial because it allows you to plan and choose the services that meet your needs, rather than reacting to a crisis when your health declines. It also means you can have peace of mind, knowing that the necessary support and care are in place when needed.
In addition to the My Aged Care assessment process, there is also a ‘Fee for Service’ option available for home care services. This option can be particularly useful for village residents or external clients who have undergone an assessment but are waiting for approval. The ‘Fee for Service’ option enables you to access services immediately, even if you haven’t received government funding approval yet.
This option is an out-of-pocket expense, but it can alleviate the angst and stress of waiting for approval, allowing you to receive the necessary support and care services immediately. Baldwin Living HomeServe provides ‘Fee for Service’ home care services to its clients to ensure that their needs are always met, even if they are waiting for government funding.
However, it’s important to note that once government funding is approved, the ‘Fee for Service’ option will no longer be necessary. The government funding can cover the cost of services, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for the client.
In conclusion, the importance of starting the My Aged Care assessment process early cannot be overstated. It’s the first step towards accessing the support and services you need to live a comfortable and fulfilling life in your own home. With HomeServe Care Partners by your side, the process is made more accessible, reassuring, and tailored to your specific needs.
Get in touch with our HomeServe team today to learn more about how we are uniquely positioned to assist you on your own home care journey. We’re here to help!
