How to access aged care assistance at home

Ageing comes with wisdom, experience and a lifetime of stories, but it can also bring new challenges. Tasks that once felt effortless may now require support, and while many people assume the only option is moving into residential care, that isn’t the case.

You can often receive the help you need while continuing to live safely and comfortably at home.

This guide explains how to get started.

Getting aged care support through My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point to aged care services. It’s designed to help older people find trustworthy support – whether that’s a bit of assistance around the house or more complex care – while staying in their own home for as long as possible.

Through My Aged Care, you can:

• learn about different aged care programs
• check your eligibility
• access government funding
• be connected with services that match your needs

Even if you’re able to pay for services privately or have strong family support, My Aged Care is still the best place to start. It outlines what support is available and helps you navigate the system.

How to get started

You can register yourself or a loved one on the My Aged Care website, or call 1800 200 422 if you prefer to speak with someone. The team can also assist in person through Aged Care Specialist Officers.

During registration, you’ll provide basic personal and health information. This builds your profile and helps My Aged Care suggest suitable services. Although information listed on the site is reliable, the Department of Health and Aged Care still recommends verifying any provider you’re considering.

If you need financial assistance, you can also apply for funding. After you apply, your details will be sent to a local assessment team.

What happens during an assessment?

An assessor will visit your home (or your loved one’s home) to understand your day-to-day needs and determine what support would improve your safety, independence and wellbeing.

Based on this visit, the assessor may:

• confirm your eligibility for government-funded services
• recommend specific types of support
• create a support plan outlining the type and level of help you require

This plan becomes the foundation for choosing your care options.

Choosing the right services

Aged care in Australia is diverse. Some services are delivered in residential aged care homes, while many others can be provided in your own home. In home care can include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, respite, transport, home maintenance and more.

Understanding what you need – and what’s available – is important, especially if you want to continue living at home.

Support at Home

The new Support at Home program is designed to bring together existing in-home care programs into one streamlined system. It aims to make it easier for older Australians to access the right help at the right time, with services tailored to individual needs and goals. Support at Home offers a wide range of care types, from basic assistance to more complex support, delivered directly to your home based on your assessed needs.

Your assessor will help outline what level and type of support is suitable for your situation.

In-home care vs residential aged care

Most older Australians prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. My Aged Care helps make this achievable by connecting you with the services you need to live safely and independently.

However, if your care needs become too great to manage at home, residential aged care may eventually be recommended. Whatever path you choose, the decision remains yours – or, if necessary, made with your appointed decision-maker under the Aged Care Act 2024, which strengthens the rights of older people.

Understanding your options is the first step in planning for safe, comfortable ageing. My Aged Care offers a clear pathway to find, compare and access support services, whether for yourself or a loved one.

If you’re ready to explore your options, visit the My Aged Care website to begin the process and take control of your care at home.

Source:
This article was originally published on  https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/how-to-access-aged-care-assistance-at-home. Reproduced with permission of DPS Publishing.
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