A growing number of older Australians are benefitting from professional care at home with a government funded home care package. Recent changes to the way home care is delivered, following the introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC), are now giving consumers more choice and control than ever before.
We take a look at what CDC means for people who receive home-based care through the government’s Home Care Packages Programme.
Home care packages – helping older people stay at home longer
The Home Care Packages Programme provides funding for home-based care “packages”, which comprise a suite of support services designed to help older Australians live independently in their own home as long as they can.
Care packages are individually tailored to meet each consumer’s needs, from basic support through to complex care. Packages can include a range of services such as help around the home, transport, personal care, nursing and clinical care, and assistance with coordinating other support services.
What is CDC?
Essentially, CDC aims to give consumers more flexibility, choice and control about the care services they receive, including when, how and by whom those services are delivered.
CDC was introduced as part of the Australian Government’s ongoing aged care reforms, which commenced in 2012. All accredited home care packages must now be delivered within CDC guidelines.
How does CDC work?
Under CDC:
- you and your service provider work together to develop your individual care plan
- you agree how much you want to be involved in managing your care plan
- you receive monthly statements about your individual funding budget, showing how much funding you have and how it is being spent
- you and your service provider regularly review your care package to ensure it is meeting your individual needs.
CDC also allows you to use your own money to purchase “top up” services to complement your care package, if you choose to.
More information about CDC is available on the government’s website www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Eligibility
To access a home care package, you will need an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The ACAT assessment will determine your care needs and the level of government funding available to you.
To find out more about ACAT assessments, you can visit the Government’s website myagedcare.gov.au, or talk to your GP.
Banksia Community Care
Banksia Community Care is a fully accredited provider of home care packages, providing practical, professional support at home. Services are provided seven days a week throughout the year and can be used as the primary care service or to support carers.
Find out more about Banksia Community Care here, or contact Charlene Dallimore, our Community Care Manager, on (tel) 02/4471 6621 or by emailing charlene.dallimore@banksiavillage.com.au.