Call us: 1800 012 340
Six easy steps
to get funding
When you or a loved one need some extra support, it can be hard to know where to start. For many people, a Home Care Package is the solution. The process of applying for a package can be broken down into six easy steps, with our friendly staff there to guide you each step of the way.
Our care advisors will take the time to listen and get to know you, so we can understand what you need.
We also know that this can be a difficult time, so we will be there to support and guide you through each step, help you understand what services might be available to you and answer any questions you have.
STEP 1
Consider your needs
If you are over 65 years of age still living in your own home and need some support to remain living independently, you can apply for a Home Care Package.
You may also be eligible for a Home Care Package if you are aged 5O years or older and identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or if you are on a low income, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
STEP 2
Request an assessment
We can make a referral for an assessment on your behalf and help you prepare. Contact us on 1800 012 340.
After you have spoken with us, we can help you plan for your assessment. In the meantime, we can organise any necessary support services for you with private funding and let you know what other funding might be available to you during this time.
Assessments are conducted by myagedcare, a Commonwealth Government agency.
STEP 3
Assessment
MyAgedCare will contact you to discuss your needs, and to book in a time and date for your assessment. Now is the time to start thinking about the support you might need so you can discuss it at your assessment.
The 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
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Level 1 - basic support
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Level 2 - low-level support
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Level 3 - intermediate support
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Level 4 - high-level support
To find out more about what happens at an assessment and how to prepare, simply speak to our friendly customer care team on 1800 012 340
If you have a preferred service provider, such as Jim's Home Care, you can let your assessor know during your assessment. The benefit of doing this is that when a package becomes available, we will also be informed and can contact you to start organising your care plan.
STEP 4
Assessment outcome
You will be sent a letter to let you know the outcome of your assessment. The letter will specify whether you are eligible to receive a Home Care Package, and if so, the level you have been approved for to meet your needs.
Phone us when you receive your letter and we can guide you through the next steps. In the meantime. let us know if you require support services during the time before your package is available, and our friendly team can easily arrange this for you with private funding.
Then you will be placed on a national waitlist and notified when your package becomes available to you.
Three months prior to receiving access to your package, you will get a 'Readiness letter' from My Aged Care. This is an important letter as it will contain some paperwork you will need to complete. Call us when you get this letter and we can help you complete the paperwork. At this time we can also start planning your support, so you are ready to receive services when your package becomes available.
Again, if all of this sounds too much, remember that we are only a phone call away from assisting you through it all.
STEP 5
Accept your package and choose a provider
Once your Home Care Package becomes available. you will receive a letter confirming the details of the package assigned to you. Contact us when you get this letter.
You have 56 days from the date your package is assigned to accept your funding and commence Home Care Services. An extension of 28 days is available; simply call Jim's Home Care to request an extension or we can arrange this with My Aged Care on your behalf. If you fail to activate your package by the deadline, you will be notified that your Home Care Package has been withdrawn. Please contact us if this occurs and if you wish to reapply.
STEP 6
Creating a care plan
Once you have been assigned a Home Care Package and have spoken with us, our friendly team will assist you to create a care plan that is tailored to your needs and goals.
Here are some things to consider as you develop your care plan:
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What sort of things will help improve my day-to-day life?
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What do I enjoy doing the most?
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What are my goals?
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What support do I need to stay safe?
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What makes my life more enjoyable and meaningful?
Once your care plan has been set, you can relax and start using and benefiting from your services. Your Home Care Services with us are designed to assist you as your needs evolve and can be added to or cancelled at any point.