Date: 28 November 2016

As part of the Australian Government’s reforms to Home Care, a number of changes to the Home Care Packages program will take place in February 2017. These changes affect consumers differently depending on whether they already have a Home Care Package approval, and whether they are currently receiving care services.

The below questions and answers are designed to help older people, their families and carers understand what the changes to Home Care Packages mean, how they may impact them, and what action they may need to take.

What are the changes to home care?

From February 27, 2017, funding for Home Care Packages (home care services that are subsidised by the government) will be allocated directly to the consumer. This means that Home Care Packages will be allocated to the person receiving the care services, rather than the organisation (or provider) that delivers the services.

Why are changes being made to the Home Care Package program?

The aim of the changes is to give consumers greater flexibility, choice and control about the home care services they receive. It also enables consumers to choose an organisation or provider who best supports their needs and preferences.

How will Home Care Packages be allocated to consumers?

A new national prioritisation process will be established for home care. This includes the development of a national queue which will assign Home Care Packages to consumers based on their individual needs and how long they have been waiting for services, regardless of where they live.

Consumers will still need to be assessed for subsidised services. For more information on how to access a Home Care Package please contact MyAgedCare.

I’m already receiving services through a Home Care Package – what does this mean for me?

If you’re currently allocated a Home Care Package and you’re happy with your provider and the services you receive then nothing will change. You will continue to receive care as normal from February 27, 2017.

If you feel that the level of care you’re receiving is not correct, or if you would like to change providers, please contact MyAgedCare for help.

I’m receiving services, but at a lower level than what I have been approved for – what does this mean for me?

If you are still receiving care at a lower level than what you have been approved for on February 27, 2017, you will automatically be added to the national queue for a Home Care Package at your approved level. You will continue to receive care and support services from your current provider and at your existing service level while you wait.

When you are assigned a higher level care package from the national queue, MyAgedCare will contact you and discuss any additional services or adjustments required to your plan.

I’ve been approved for a Home Care Package but am not currently receiving services -what does this mean for me?

If you have been assessed as eligible to receive a Home Care Package, but are not currently receiving any services, your steps will depend on whether a package is available to you by February 27, 2017.

If you have found a provider who can offer you a package, and you have entered into a Home Care Agreement by February 27, 2017, there is no need to take any further action following the changes.

If you have not found a provider or entered into a Home Care Agreement by February 27, 2017, and if you would still like to access subsidised care services, you will need to call MyAgedCare. You will then be placed in the national queue for a Home Care Package.

 

For further information and help:

  • If you’d like further assistance with finding the right care solutions for you or a loved one, or you would like help navigating MyAgedCare, please contact Whiddon’s Customer Relations Team on 1300 738 388 or via our online enquiry form.
  • For more information about the changes to home care in 2017, click here
  • To contact MyAgedCare, call 1800 200 422 or click here