FAQ

While there is no extra funding for people from multicultural or non-English speaking backgrounds, ADEC will continue to support your cultural and language needs as we always have. This is the reason we are here!

If you need some short-term help, like getting better after being in hospital, or you need palliative care, we can help you apply for extra funding through two new schemes under the Support at Home program called:

• The Restorative Care pathway
• The End of Life pathway

If you need any equipment or major home modifications, we can help you apply for extra funding under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. However, any unspent funds will have to be used first.

Care Management is important to help you get the most out of your service plan and to help you stay living in your own home comfortably and safely.

Care Management activities include:

• Assessing your needs, goals, and risks.
• Planning the best supports and services to meet your needs with you (care planning).
• Helping you get the best value out of your package funds.
• Arranging and monitoring the services you need under your care plan (example Physio, gardening etc).
• Helping you adapt to changes in your health or abilities.
• Regularly reviewing your care plan with you and communicating with you and others as necessary about your care and support.

As an ADEC client, you will have a Clinical Care Partner, who is a qualified nurse, to assess your needs and clinical risks and help you plan to meet your goals.

Package Management

• Currently, providers can charge up to 15% of your Home Care Package (HCP) for running their Home Care Program.
• Under Support at Home, these costs will be included in the hourly rates for services, so service rates will change.

Care Management

• Under Support at Home, Care Management is a clinical service. This means that Providers will charge an hourly rate for Care Management, but won’t be able to charge more than 10% of your package budget.
• Care Management is an important service as it helps with planning, organizing, and coordinating your care, as well as managing any risks while you live at home. Care management activity will be shown on your monthly statement.

If you’re already paying an Income Tested Care Fee with your Home Care Package, there’s no need to worry, you won’t pay more under Support at Home.

If you don’t pay an Income Tested Care Fee, you won’t be asked to pay any fees in the future.

We are here to make Support at Home simple and stress-free, with the same care and expertise you trust.

We will soon arrange to meet with you to discuss the new Support at Home program and how we can help you get the most out of your package.

• There will be no changes to your package and funds. Any funds you haven’t used (unspent funds) from your Home Care Package by 1 July will move with you.
• Your aged care funding will be managed based on a quarterly budget.
• When you have used up any unspent funds, you will only be able to carry over up to $1,000 of the new funding into the next quarter.
• If you are currently paying any income-tested care fee, your contributions won’t change.
• If you currently don’t pay an income-tested care fee, you won’t be asked to pay any fees in the future.
• Providers like ADEC will no longer charge separate package management or administration fees. Instead, these costs will be included in the rates providers charge for their services, so you can expect these to increase.
• Care management fees will be capped at 10% of your package funds.
• Equipment or home modifications are no longer funded out of your package. These will be provided under a different scheme. However, you must use any unspent funds first.

Selecting the right service provider is crucial. The government subsidises your chosen provider to organise a tailored package of care services to suit your individual needs. Given the diversity in care requirements, there are four Home Care Package levels, each with varying funding amounts addressing basic to high care needs.

Package Levels:

Level 1: Basic care needs

Level 2: Low care needs

Level 3: Intermediate care needs

Level 4: High care needs

Your assigned package level depends on your unique needs. Collaborate with your chosen provider to assess your care requirements and strategically allocate your package funding. Your service provider will efficiently coordinate and manage your services on your behalf. For more information, please visit https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages

Home Care Packages offer flexibility to include a variety of care, and services tailored to your specific needs. Collaborating with your provider, it’s essential to determine if a particular care or service aligns with the following criteria:

Direct Link to Care Needs and Goals:
Ensure that the care or service is directly associated with your identified care needs and goals, fostering a personalised approach to your well-being.

Health and Wellbeing Improvement:
Assess whether the care or service contributes to the improvement of your health and overall wellbeing, enhancing your quality of life.

Safety and Independence:
Verify if the care or service is essential for you to continue living safely and independently in the comfort of your home, promoting a sense of security.

Budget Alignment
Confirm that the proposed care or service can be effectively delivered within the constraints of your Home Care Package budget, ensuring financial feasibility.

Government Fund Appropriateness
Evaluate if the care or service would be considered an acceptable use of government funds, aligning with regulatory guidelines.

It’s crucial to note that while Home Care Packages are comprehensive, they should not replace care and services accessible through other health programs for which you might be eligible. Continuing to access these services, as required, through your GP and hospitals is essential to complement the holistic approach to your health and well-being.

Personal Aged Care Services

Bathing, Hygiene, and Grooming: Maintain personal hygiene and grooming standards with our assistance, tailored to your needs.

Health and Therapeutic Support

Nursing: Receive at-home care for the treatment and monitoring of medical conditions.

Therapies (Podiatry, Physiotherapy, etc.): Maintain movement and mobility with specialised therapeutic support.

Nutritional Support

Meals and Food Preparation: Ensure a balanced diet with our assistance, promoting overall well-being.

Home Maintenance and Chores: Cleaning, Laundry, and Household Chores: Keep your home clean and liveable with our reliable support.

Home or Garden Maintenance: Ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Adaptations for Independence

Changes to Your Home: Make adjustments to increase or maintain your ability to move around safely and independently.

Assistive Devices and Transport

Aids to Stay Independent: Receive support with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations.

Transport: Access transportation services for appointments and community activities.

Social Connection

Social Outings, Groups, and Visitors: Stay socially engaged with our services, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

These Aged Care services are designed to cater to your unique needs, providing comprehensive support to enhance your well-being and maintain an independent lifestyle at home.

Home Care Packages play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. These packages provide tailored support, from practical daily assistance to specialised care, allowing individuals to age gracefully in the comfort of their homes.