Determining when to seek home aged care support can be challenging. One day, you might be managing fine—cooking meals, gardening, and relying on family and friends. The next day, a fall or health decline could change everything.
The reality is that arranging for home care can be more complex and time-consuming than anticipated. That’s why it’s wise to plan for home care well in advance.
By preparing early, you can avoid long waits for funding, reduce stress, and prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Let’s delve into the ideal timing for arranging home care, how to begin the process, and what to expect next.
Prepare for the unexpected
Many people postpone seeking home aged care until a serious incident occurs, often viewing it as a last resort or something only for the very ill. For example, an accidental fall or a moment of disorientation on a walk could require immediate and ongoing care. In other scenarios, friends or family might struggle with changes in your health and delay seeking help until they are overwhelmed.
Without a prearranged Home Care Package, you might need to cover care costs yourself until you receive funding approval.
To avoid this stressful situation, consider applying for a Home Care Package sooner rather than later. The process starts with an assessment to determine your eligibility, which can take a couple of months but the whole process takes a lot longer.
The process includes:
- Getting an assessment: You apply for an assessment, which can take 6 – 8 weeks to complete.
- Approved & on the waitlist: If successful, you will be approved for a Home Care Package, but you may wait for 6- 12 months before your funding is assigned (released for your use).
- Assigned funds: You will eventually have you funds allocated for use, and you have exactly 56 days to find a Home Care Provider, to help with your services.
Recognising the signs
If you are wondering if you or someone you know might benefit from a Home Care Package, it helps to consider what the assessors look for. During the assessment, a Home Care Assessor will evaluate several factors, including difficulties with daily activities, fall risks, cognitive decline, and caregiver burnout.
It’s crucial to be honest and detailed during the assessment to ensure you receive the care you need. Provide a truthful account of your worst days and describe how your current caregivers are managing.
The assessor will focus on four main areas:
- Activities of Daily Living: Tasks like dressing, paying bills, housework, shopping, and home upkeep.
- Fall Risks: Indicators such as muscle weakness, vision decline, unsteady gait, or stiffness.
- Cognitive Decline: Early signs like forgetfulness, trouble organising tasks, losing direction, or increased impulsivity.
- Carer Burnout: Observing signs such as anxiety, neglect of self-care, low mood, and fatigue.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Planning for a Home Care Package not only helps manage financial stress in case of an unforeseen event but also enhances your quality of life. It supports you in living well and independently for longer.
Individuals aged 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) are eligible to apply for funding. Home care services can range from meal preparation and linen changes to assistance with communication aids, home modifications, social activities, and personal hygiene.
These services are designed to help you maintain your independence, improve your quality of life, and continue enjoying your favourite activities.
