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In Australia we have three types of government-subsidised
aged care services:
- Community Care
- Respite Care
- Residential Care
Community Care
Most older people prefer to continue living in their own
home, but some people may find this difficult to do without assistance. There
are a number of aged care services that help older people to continue living
in their own home. This type of care is known as ‘Community Care’ and there
are four different options, depending on your needs:
Home and Community Care (HACC)
Home and Community Care provides basic support services for frail aged
people who are experiencing difficulties managing daily tasks but who wish to
continue living independently at home. Services may include: nursing and
allied health services, personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing and
eating), Meals on Wheels and other food services, home help (assistance with
housework, laundry and shopping), home modification and maintenance,
transport, counselling, and social support. Home and Community Care services
are usually provided by local councils, community health centres and community
organisations.
Community Aged Care Packages (CACP)
Community Aged Care Packages provide services to frail aged people
with more complex care needs, or who require a greater range of services to
help them continue living at home. The packages of services are flexible and
designed to suit individual needs, and may include: personal care (assistance
with bathing, dressing and eating), meal preparation, home help (assistance
with housework, laundry and shopping), gardening, transport, and social
support. These services are planned and coordinated by an approved aged care
service provider. Eligibility for Community Aged Care Packages is determined
by an Aged Care Assessment Team.
Extended Aged Care at Home Packages (EACH)
Extended Aged Care at Home Packages provide services to people who need
more help than a Community Aged Care Package can provide. The packages of
services are flexible and designed to suit individual needs, and may include:
nursing and allied health services, personal care (assistance with bathing,
dressing and eating), home help (assistance with housework, laundry and
shopping), transport, and social support. These services are planned and
coordinated by an approved aged care service provider. Eligibility for
Extended Aged Care at Home Packages is determined by an Aged Care
Assessment Team.
Extended Aged Care at Home
Packages Dementia (EACH D)
Extended Aged Care at Home Packages Dementia provides services to
people living with dementia. The packages of services are flexible and
designed to suit individual needs, and may include: nursing
and allied health services, personal care (assistance with bathing,
dressing and eating), home help (assistance with housework, laundry and
shopping), transport, and social
support. These services are planned and coordinated by an approved aged
care service provider. Eligibility for Extended Aged Care at Home Packages
Dementia is determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team.
For more information about Community Care and how to find a service that meets
your needs, call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.
Respite Care
Respite Care is short-term care, which enables the older
person and their carer to have a break from their normal routine. Many older
people are cared for by family members at home. It is important that carers
are supported in this valuable role, especially as many carers are themselves
elderly. Respite Care supports the carer to have a break from their
caring responsibilities, while also helping the older person to continue
living at home. Respite Care provides care services to the older person
on a temporary basis, which enables the carer to rest, attend to other
responsibilities (eg shopping), or to have a holiday. It is usually planned in
advance, but may be arranged in an emergency (eg if the carer is unwell).
Respite care may also be accessed by older people who live on their own and
feel unable to look after themselves and need a break. It can be provided in
the older person’s home, in day-care centres or in Residential Care. Respite
Care is provided through Home and Community Care, the National Respite for
Carers Program and Residential Care. Access to Respite Care is based on
eligibility, priority and need.
For more information about Respite Care and other support services for carers,
call the Commonwealth Carers’
Respite Centre on 1800
059 059.
Residential Care
As an older person’s level of frailty increases, it may no longer be an
option for them to continue living in their own home, and an aged care home
may need to be considered. Aged care homes are also known as ‘Residential
Care’. There are two types of Residential Care: low-level care and high-level
care. Both levels of care provide a range of specified services, including:
accommodation, basic furnishings, laundry, cleaning, meals and refreshments,
staff to help at all times, personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing
and eating), occasional nursing care, and social activities. High-level care
is designed for people who are very frail, require 24-hour assistance and
on-going nursing care. Some aged care homes provide low-level care and
high-level care, enabling people to stay in the same home even if their care
needs change. This is known as ‘ageing in place’. Aged care homes are run by
approved aged care service providers. Eligibility for Residential Care is
determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team.
For more information about Residential Care and how to find a home that meets
your needs, call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222,
or the
Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
Additional Information
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
The first step in accessing most government-subsidised aged care services
is to receive an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
Eligibility for Community Aged Care Packages, Extended Aged Care at Home
Packages and Residential Care is determined by an ACAT assessment, which
determines eligibility by assessing a person’s needs. This is a free and
confidential service, and the process is not as daunting as it may sound. An
ACAT representative (usually a doctor, nurse, social worker or other health
care professional) will assess your situation and specific care needs. You
will be informed about the services you are eligible to receive, and how to
find a service that meets your needs. You may choose to have a relative or
friend with you during the assessment. You also have the right to ask ACAT to
provide an interpreter. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the
assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision. To arrange an ACAT
assessment, you can ask your doctor for a referral, or contact the
Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.
Fees & Charges
The cost of receiving aged care services is based on a
person’s assessed care needs and their ability to pay. Special consideration
is given to people who are financially disadvantaged. You will not be denied
access to a service if you are unable to pay. All people receive the same
quality of care regardless of the level of fees paid. To find out more about
fees and charges, contact the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800
500 853.
For more information go to:
www.agecareaustralia.gov.au |
