Are you eligible for government-subsidised aged care services?
The Australian Government provides different types of aged care services to support a variety of needs, all aiming to help you stay as independent as you can. Each programme has a broad eligibility criterion and you will need to undertake an assessment to determine your needs and eligibility.
The different types of care include:
- Staying in your own home
There are many different services that are available to support you so you can live in your home for longer. Services may include help with meals, personal care, transport or home maintenance.
- Care in an aged care home
This allows you to live in a supported environment where help is available when you need it. There are options for 24-hour care. Aged care homes are different to retirement villages, which are usually private facilities.
- After-hospital care (transition care)
If you have been in hospital and are ready to be discharged, but you still need more time and support or help to get back on your feet, then you may benefit from transition care.
- Taking a break from caring (respite care)
If you are being looked after by a carer, and either you or your carer need a break from the usual care arrangement, there are services that can help you and your carer.
Am I eligible?
Finding out if you are eligible for Australian Government subsidised aged care can be as simple as calling the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422. The My Aged Care website also provides information on aged care.
To help you find the right services, contact centre staff will ask you a series of question to understand your needs. The questions will be about any support you are currently receiving, health concerns and problems and how you are managing your day-to-day tasks.
Contact centre staff will discuss options with you, which may include being referred for an assessment. This assessment will determine if you are eligible for aged care services and identify what type of services would best meet your needs and goals.
How the assessmentworks?
There are two types of assessment that you may be referred to. These are a home support assessment for entry level care or a comprehensive assessment for more complex care services. The type of assessment you are referred to will depend on the outcome of your discussion with My Aged Care contact centre staff.
Assessments are undertaken face-to-face, usually where you live, by an independent assessor funded by the Australian Government. The assessment service is free.
If you have entry level aged care needs, a home support assessment will be undertaken by an assessor from the My Aged Care Regional Assessment Service.
If your aged care needs are more complex, you will be referred to an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria) to assess whether you are eligible for a coordinated package of care at home or to move into an aged care home. The ACAT may also determine that you would benefit from certain transition care or respite care.
If you live in Victoria or Western Australia, there will be differences in the way you are assessed and referred to services. You can still call My Aged Care and the contact centre will explain the process and who you need to contact.
How much does aged care cost?
The Australian Government subsidises a range of aged care services in Australia. If your personal circumstances allow, it is expected that you will contribute towards the cost of your care.
To get an estimate of the costs for home care packages or residential care, you can use My Aged Care’s fee estimator here. (http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/personal-stories/aged-care-fee-estimators)
To find out more information go to the My Aged Care website or contact the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.
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The importance of community in retirement
8 steps to mentally prepare yourself for retirement
6 questions you must ask yourself before downsizing