Are you eligible for aged care funding from the government?
Marissa Sandler is the CEO and co-founder of Careseekers. Previously a social justice lawyer and researcher for over 15 years, Marissa is passionate about helping people live with dignity and finding innovative solutions to problems.
At Careseekers we speak to people every day who don’t realise that they could be getting funding from the Government to help them stay at home as they age. The government wants you to stay at home, they want you to stay at home safe and well and there is money available to help you do this.
Our in-house aged care expert Deb Burman has demystified aged care funding so you don’t have to.
Below all your questions are answered:
Am I eligible for funding?
You are eligible for Aged Care services at home if you are 65 years and over, or 50 years and over if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Ok I am eligible, what should I do now?
If you meet the criteria, contact the My Aged Care Centre on 1800 200 422 for an assessment. Eligibility for a range of services is determined by an assessment process which identifies the individual’s needs
What kind of funding is available?
There are two types of government funded services: Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP). My Aged Care Centre will determine which type of service an individual should be assessed for
But what is CHSP?
This gives you access to a range of individual services. Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Food Services, Home maintenance and modifications, Nursing, Transport services, Allied Health, Respite and Social Support.
Assessment for this is conducted by RAS (Regional Assessment Service) assessors.
And what is HCP?
This gives you access to a coordinated package of care services, managed by a case manager including personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, continence management, mobility, nursing and allied health, transport services and socialisation.
Assessment for this is conducted by ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessors.
What do I need to pay?
All services are subsidised by Government funding. Individuals accessing services are expected to contribute to the cost of the services. Service subsidies depend on what is affordable for the individual and may require a financial assessment.
Can I choose who delivers all these services?
Yes! With the introduction of consumer directed care you now have a lot more choice about which provider you choose and even which care worker you use.