Staying informed on what support is available to you is important to help you living independent in your own home. Following is some small snippets of information currently circulating about home care package funding.
Recent research has identified that the confidence of older Australians is significantly low when it comes to using their Home Care Packages. The study revealed that older people who have access to essential health and wellbeing services through the Australian Government’s Home Care Package program find it largely confusing and unclear, which is compromising the willingness to draw on the available supports. Whilst the study acknowledges there would always be some level of unspent funds, this figure is drastically too high and indicates a significant need to focus on building consumer confidence. “Alongside the need to drastically increase the number of Home Care Packages, the Australian Government needs to ensure that navigation and communication with consumers during the application and allocation process is as streamlined and as user-friendly as possible” (Dr Catherine Joyce, Inside Ageing).
Here at Liberty we work hard to break down the confusion by providing relevant and clear information. By making sure you are informed and understand the supports available will help you maximise your Home Care Package. If you have any doubts or questions please call Rowena or Melissa on 5578 1668 so that we can discuss with you directly. Following is some options you can spend your home care package funds on. If you are interested in reading the research please check out the information on inside Ageing’s website https://insideageing.com.au
Personal services – assistance with personal activities such as, showering, toileting, dressing and undressing
Meal preparation – assistance with preparing meals
Continence management – purchase of continence aids and appliances
Mobility and dexterity – provision of walking aids, mobility scooters, mechanical devices for lifting, bed rails, slide sheets, sheepskins, tripillows, pressure-relieving mattresses and
assistance using these aids
Aids and equipment – particularly those which assist a person to perform daily living tasks
Transport and social assistance – assistance with shopping, visiting health practitioners and attending social activities
Assistive technology – such as devices that assist mobility, communication and personal safety
Nursing, allied health and therapy services – this may include speech therapy, podiatry, occupational or physiotherapy services and other clinical services such as hearing and vision services