Whether considering options for yourself or deciding how best to help someone close to you, aged care is a complex area requiring careful thought. To help you obtain the best outcomes, these guides will take you through the process of applying for, receiving, and paying for the aged care support most suitable for you or your loved one.
In this article we will look at getting started on the track to accessing government subsidised aged care services. You will understand the assessments required to determine whether you, or your loved one, is eligible to receive aged care support.
Approval
More Australians are using aged care services each year. Whilst it may seem daunting at first, the aged care system has improved significantly over the last few years, with a strong focus on ensuring help and resources are available to help you every step of the way.
You can access aged care support through a non-government subsidised provider of aged care services anytime. However, if you wish to access government subsidised aged care, the first step involves an assessment. This assessment will help identify the type of services you may be eligible for.
The assessment process
An assessment will be completed to work out your care needs and identify the type of support you may be eligible for. This is a free service which you can start by calling My Aged Care (the Government service for aged care) on 1800 200 422.
During the call, a client record will be created. To create this record, you will be asked about your current needs, any age care services you may already receive and the results of any prior assessments.
They will seek to find out more information about how you are managing around the home, any health concerns you may have, and any support from family or friends you receive. Openness and honesty will ensure they can fully understand your care needs.
ACAT/RAS assessment
An assessment is provided by a local assessor from an Aged Care Assessment Team or ACAT. In Victoria, this service is provided by an Aged Care Assessment Service or ACAS. Depending on your health needs, an assessment may otherwise be provided by a Regional Assessment Service or RAS. If you have been referred for an assessment, an assessor will contact you to arrange a time that suits you best to come and visit you in your home. To make sure the assessment is effective, there are a few things to prepare before the visit:
• your Medicare number
• a copy of any referrals from your doctor
• any information you already have about aged care services that you may want to discuss with the assessor
• your GP or other health professional’s contact details
• information on any support you currently receive.
If you would like a family member, carer, or friend to be with you during the assessment, just let them know the time and date you have agreed with the assessor.
What happens during the assessment?
The assessor will have a record of all the information you provided during your initial phone call, and will look to increase their understanding of your needs by asking some more questions about:
• what support you already have and if that will continue
• your health and lifestyle, and any health concerns
• if you have problems with your memory
• how you are going with daily tasks and activities around the home
• any issues with home and personal safety.
You can ask questions of your own, such as what services are available and whether there are any service providers in your area.
Working together, you will develop a support plan that includes your strengths, difficulties, goals and preferences for your aged care services.
After the assessment
Your assessment will determine your eligibility to access services which provide help at home or a residential aged care home. They can also make a referral to a service provider on your behalf, or provide you with a referral code so you may do so yourself. If you decide to find a provider yourself, My Aged Care (www.myagedcare.gov.au) can help you find one in your area.
Aged Care & Home Care can seem complex. We have a special offer for general advice for $225.00.
Please click here for more information.
For more information on this subject feel free to get in touch with us click here
To receive free updates on relevant information click here
To read more about specialised service offers for Aged Care please click here