Many senior Australians do not wish to go into residential care. The Home Care Packages (HCP) is a government funded aged care initiative designed to help recipients live independently and safely in their own home environment.
What is the HCP?
Eligible senior Australians can access entry-level support for home-living via the program.
This includes accessing services such as :
- Meal and food preparation
- Maintaining personal hygiene (bathing, grooming)
- Nursing for monitoring and managing medical conditions at home
- Therapies to help maintain mobility, e.g., physiotherapy, podiatry
- Help managing conditions such as dementia, visual impairment, hearing impairment, incontinence
- Respite for carers
- Changes to the home to assist in daily functions eg taps, rails, ramps, safety modifications
- Home and garden maintenance
- Cleaning, laundry and household chores
- Devices and aids to maintain ability and independence, e.g., walkers, special pillows, smart devices
- Transport to and from appointments, social gatherings, church etc
- Assistance in social and community interaction eg companion for shopping, arranged social activities, setting up phone and internet services, home visits
Having these services available in-home can greatly reduce stress for the individual, and help them to retain their sense of independence and quality of life.
How to apply for HCP funding and assistance
Anyone wanting to access the program must get an Aged Care homes Assessment. In order to check eligibility for the assessment, a participant would need to meet certain criteria.
Seniors who are 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboroginal or Torres Straight Islander applicants) who need assistance in everyday tasks may be eligible. For an easy online eligibility check click here or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for aged care services.
Eligible seniors can then apply for an assessment either via phone (at the same number) or online here. An assessment is typically conducted in person at your home. Remember to have your Medicare card handy when booking the assessment.
Part of the assessment is a means test – where applicants are in a position to contribute towards services they may be expected to do so.
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will advise of the outcome and if successful the participant may proceed to finding providers (such as Harmony House) to suit their needs.
How to work with Harmony House in accessing HCP service funding
Harmony House will work with each individual to ensure all areas of their care requirements are covered, and that they are maximising the support by HCP provider.
As a specialist in in home aged care, Harmony House strives to help each participant to live a safe, independent and happy life with the aid of caring and friendly support.
To get step-by-step support simply register HERE and one of our experienced consultants will be in touch. Alternatively give us a call on 03 8564 8505.
