Navigating My Aged Care - How To Get A Home Care Package Fast

Did you know you can use your Home Care Package on workers you engage from Careseekers The first step however is to get a Home Care Package approved from the Government's My Aged Care Website. Understanding and navigating My Aged Care can be a complex and difficult process for individuals and families. We hope the following points assist you in the process.

What Is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care provides an entry point to Australian Government–funded aged care services for the general public. Older Australians, their families and carers can access My Aged Care information through the website or contact centre.

Health professionals can also refer patients to My Aged Care.

Aged care assessors and approved service providers have portals to manage their service information, assessments and referrals.

Where To Begin?

My Aged Care is the place to start. You will need to register with My Aged Care by phoning on 1800 200 422. Once registered, My Aged Care will arrange for an asssessment to take place in your home and your support needs will be discussed.

What Happens Next?

Following your assessment, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care advising the Home Care Package level you are eligible and your priority level. This means you are now placed on the national waiting list, managed by the Australian government. If the letter you receive states you are not eligible for a home care package you are able to make another application if you have a change in circumstances.

I'm On The Waiting List, Now What?

Waiting for your Home Care Package funding can be a lengthy process. It can be a dfficult time as many people are in need of support services immediately and the wait can feel interminable. The good news is that you can access services while you are waiting. The following options can be helpful while you are waiting for your package.

• Entry level care through the Commonwealth Home Support Program
  This program still requires regsitration through My Aged Care and an assessment is still necessary. As this is an entry-level program, support services are limited and you cannot control how the funds are spent. You will need to pay for support services but they are heavily subsidised.

• Self-pay for home care while you are waiting
  You are able to access care and services at any time by self-paying. This can be a great option to ensure you stay at home, independent and healthy while waiting for your Home Care Package. Careseekers can help find you great care workers who have undergone background checks, while you are waiting for your package. Careseekers are experts in matching you with the right workers - once your package funding is available, we can refer you to our Provider Partners and you can even continue to use your workers.

• Discuss other support services with your doctor
  Your GP can be a wealth of information regarding other support services that are available. It is a great idea to discuss with them, how you are coping and the areas you need assistance with.

Can I Fast Track The Waiting List?

If your needs have changed, there may come a time when you need to be reassessed. It may be the case that some day to day tasks have become more difficult since you were initially assessed. If this is what you are experiencing, you can contact ACAT to ask your position on the waiting list and to state a case for review to receive your package faster. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers