As our loved ones age, it’s normal that they may require extra care. It’s also completely normal to find navigating the aged care system daunting or overwhelming; it’s a complex system.
When it comes to accessing aged care, there are a few options that may be suitable, such as receiving help at home, short-term care, and aged care homes.
In this article, we will be covering the first steps to accessing aged care services, the various programs available, and eligibility. We will also explore how to choose the right aged care option for you and what to consider.
This article will also discuss how advocacy services can help. Advocacy is the process of supporting an individual to speak up for their rights and needs. Advocacy services can provide free and independent information about available care and support options.
How To Access Aged Care Services
The journey to accessing aged care services typically starts with an assessment on My Aged Care. My Aged Care is the starting point to access the Australian Government’s aged care system. They will undertake an assessment to determine your eligibility for government-funded aged care services.
You can access My Aged Care online, on the phone or in person. You can go to the My Aged Care website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ call 1800 200 422 (Freecall) to discuss, visit a Services Australia service centre or book an appointment with Aged Care Specialist Officer, or call the Australia Aged Care line on 1800 227 475 Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
The process involves two parts: a simple eligibility check, which you can do online or over the phone, and an in-person assessment. During the eligibility check, you will be asked questions about your age and information about what you can/can’t do independently. In most circumstances, you need to be over the age of 65 (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and struggle with daily tasks to be eligible for an assessment.
If you are deemed eligible, you will be referred for an assessment. Assessments are done in person, at your own home or sometimes over the phone. During this time, an assessor will talk to you about your needs, work with you to develop a support plan, and discuss eligibility for aged care services.
To prepare for an assessment, you should:
- Have your Medicare card and another form of identification, like your driver’s license.
- Have a copy of any referrals to your doctor that may be relevant.
- Consider if you would like a support person present.
- Prepare any information or questions you already have about aged care services that you may want to discuss.
- Have contact details to provide for your GP or any other health professionals you visit.
- Consider if you need any special assistance for communication, like a translator.
After meeting with the assessor, you will find out if you’re eligible for government-funded services and, if so, which ones you’re eligible for and how to access them.
How To Choose Aged Care Right For You
If you are just starting your aged care journey, then learning more about the different types of aged care is essential. There are three types of aged care options:
Help at home
This option is for people who still want to live independently at home but require some help around the house, like doing chores. Getting assistance with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for longer. Help at home looks different depending on the person, and there are various packages available. For example, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry-level service, or there are Home Support Packages
Short-term care
Short-term aged care provides support services for a set period of time. An example of when short-term care might be used is after a hospital stay or when someone is recovering from surgery. There are three types of short-term care: short-term restorative care, transition care and respite care. The Australian Government does subsidise short-term care providers directly to make them more affordable.
Aged care homes
An aged care home is another care option for older people who can no longer live independently at home. Aged care homes can assist with everyday tasks, personal care and nursing care. In Australia, the government funds a range of aged care homes.
It’s important to remember that your eligibility may limit the type of aged care services you can access. For example, an individual may not be eligible for residential aged care services but can access help at-home care.
If you have previously registered with My Aged Care, you can view your aged care information on the My Aged Care Online Account page. This shows details on your support plan, assessment result letters (if relevant) and aged care service referral details.
How Advocacy Services Can Help
Navigating the aged care system can be challenging. Fortunately, there are free advocacy services, like ADA Australia, that have professional experience with these systems.
Advocacy services are typically not-for-profit, independent organisations funded by the government to assist seniors with understanding their rights, making informed decisions, and accessing the appropriate aged care services. Advocacy organisations can usually help with the following:
- Better understanding of the result of an assessment.
- Assisting with finding and choosing local aged care providers/services.
- Helping raise any concerns and addressing complaints.
- Accessing financial information and support.
ADA Australia may be able to assist you in accessing aged care services by engaging with My Aged Care and attending aged care assessments and meetings with service providers.
Advocacy organisations can also provide advocacy and support surrounding matters of elder abuse.
Get Help Seeking Aged Care Services With ADA Australia
If you or a senior you care for requires help accessing aged care services in Queensland, contact ADA Australia today. We are a not-for-profit, independent organisation with over 30 years of experience providing free and confidential aged care advocacy and support to older people and people with disabilities.
People living in Queensland who are having issues accessing aged care services or are experiencing service provisions and care-related problems for Australian Government aged care programs are eligible for our services. You can see a full list of supported programs on our website.
Our aged care advocacy services include supporting individuals to speak up for their rights and needs, assisting in finding local aged care services, and helping to communicate care preferences. ADA Australia can also support in matters of elder abuse, where the person is living in residential care and is experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse.
Our services are free of charge, confidential and independent. To access advocacy support, you can contact us today. The ADA Australia team would love to hear from you.
