Ageing is a different process for everyone; but at some point, many of us find ourselves needing to access aged care services. The aged care system in Australia offers a range of options to meet your individual care needs. And while your needs will certainly change over the years as you get older, the aged care system in Australia is well equipped to adapt to your changing needs. There really is an aged care solution for any level of need – have a look below.
Home support program
The home support program is suitable for anyone who just needs a low level of assistance with day-to-day activities. This program provides ongoing or short-term support and care services in your own home. Services commonly include personal care, housework, food preparation and meals, shopping, transport and providing access to allied health, social support and planned respite.
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Read more about when is aged care needed >>
Home Care packages
The next step up is a Home Care Package. This program provides more in-depth support, also in your own home, to allow you to remain in your home longer. Services commonly include personal care, nursing and support services, as well as allied health and clinical services. These packages of essential services are funded by the government at different levels, depending on your care and support needs. Customers will be given choice and flexibility as to what services from amongst the range available they choose to access.
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Short term and flexible care
Short term and flexible care options are useful for certain situations where you need a more intense level of care for a short period of time. Situations such as recovery from an illness or accident, a transition from hospital to home or restorative care that returns you to independence are all good candidates for short term care services. These services may be delivered either in your home or in a residential setting.
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Residential respite care
Residential respite care is useful for people who have a carer who needs a break, or is unable to care for you for some reason. Even if you don’t have a carer, if your level of care required is higher for a short period of time, or if you’d simply like a break from caring for yourself, you can apply for residential respite care in an aged care facility. Depending on your needs, the aged care facility will provide a range of care and services such as you would
receive if you were a permanent resident at the facility – for a specified period of time. Residential respite care of up to 63 days each financial year can be accessed on a planned or emergency basis – and this time can be extended in lots of 21 days by contacting your local ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) service. Keep in mind though, that you will need to have an ACAT assessment before being able to access residential respite care in an aged care facility. Your needs will be considered in light of the availability of help in your area too.
For emergency respite care, call your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 during business hours, or call 1800 059 059 outside business hours.
Residential aged care
The final step in the process is live-in aged care in a residential facility. These facilities provide residential accommodation and round-the-clock health care for older people who are unable to remain living in their own homes. Most aged care facilities in Australia are funded by the Federal Government to subsidise the costs of the services they provide; and all must meet certain accreditation standards. They provide help with day-to-day tasks, personal care and clinical care, as well as specialist medical and health care.
So, wherever you are on the aged care journey, there’s a solution to your needs! Contact Finley Regional Care for more information about residential aged care, respite care and Home Care Packages: https://www.finleyregionalcare.com.au
