How to Apply for a Home Care Package

 

Not sure how to get started? Applying for a Home Care Package can sometimes feel overwhelming. There is a lot of information to absorb and unfortunately, you can receive conflicting advice.  

 

We have simplified this process into six simple steps below. Our friendly team can also help you apply for Government contributions and guide you through each of the six steps of the application process. Simply give us a call and we will help get you started.

 

Step 1 – Registration and Referral

 

To apply for a Home Care Package, you need to go through a government body called My Aged Care (MAC). To get started you need to request an assessment. You will be given a MAC referral code.

 

We can make a referral for an assessment to My Aged Care (www.myagedcare.gov.au) on your behalf and help you to prepare. We can also assist you with interim support services that you may need during the time it takes to complete the application and start receiving services.

 

If Aunty Grace is your preferred supplier, you can let My Aged Care know when requesting your assessment. This means when your package becomes available, we will also be informed and can contact you to start organising your support plan.

 

Step 2 – Phone Assessment

 

My Aged Care will contact you with a time and date for your assessment. During this assessment, you should discuss your needs, situation, and any current care or support services that you are receiving.

 

The assessors need to understand your capabilities with and without support (formal or informal).

 

Step 3 – In-home Assessment

 

The Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/ACAS) will schedule a time to visit you at your home. This assessment will determine if you are eligible for a Home Care Package and which package level best meets your support needs. There are four levels – basic, low-level, intermediate, and high-level.

 

The assessors need to understand your capabilities with and without support (formal or informal). Aunty Grace can help prepare you to get the most out of your assessment.

 

Step 4 – Assessment Outcome

 

After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you a letter to let you know if you are eligible to receive a Home Care Package, and what level of funding you’ve been approved for. If eligible, you will be placed on a national waitlist and notified when your package becomes available. Packages can have significant wait times and are prioritised on a needs basis.

 

When you receive your letter, call us, and we can guide you through the next steps. While you are waiting, we can assist you with interim support services that you may need.

 

Approximately three months before you can access your package, you will get a ‘Readiness Letter’ from My Aged Care, which will include some paperwork you will need to complete. We can help you fill this out and start a discussion about your support in preparation for when you receive your package.

 

Step 5 – Assignment of Package and Selection of a Provider

 

Once you have been allocated a Home Care Package, you will receive a letter outlining that a package has been assigned to you.

 

You’ll have 56 days from the date you receive your letter to choose a provider, such as Aunty Grace, and commence services. An extension of 28 days is available should you require more time.

 

 To request an extension simply call My Aged Care or Aunty Grace.

 

Step 6 – Creating a Tailored Plan

 

The final step is to create your care/support plan. This is where we get to know you better, learning about your life, and your preferences. We then work with you to tailor a plan that outlines your goals, and the support required for you to achieve them. Once this plan is complete, we can schedule your first service!