Aged Care
T.S. Eliot
“Home is where one starts from.”
To quote T.S. Eliot “Home is where one starts from.” A house is a dwelling made of walls and a roof, however a home is where memories have been made, love has grown and dreams have been realised. Family and friends have been welcomed; laughter, tears, and cherished memories are now a part of every room. It is part of your soul, surrounded by people or the things that matter to you the most.
It is from your home that you can continue to enjoy the life you have made there. Our team will take the time to work with you to understand how best we can assist you in continuing to enjoy the comforts of your home. We understand the importance of maintaining your independence. Our qualified support staff are able to provide a flexible care service to you, which meet your requirements. We are able to help you live independently the way you choose. Metro Healthcare are able to support you with the everyday physical and social needs, enabling you to feel empowered, comfortable and contented in your own home.
Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages (HCP) have been created for those with more complex care needs beyond the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. HCP are one of the ways that elder Australians can have access to affordable care services in-home assistance.
The program provides financial support towards a package of care, services and case management to meet the requirements of the individual. There are four levels of support varying from basic care to high-level care, each a different financial support amount that is allotted to you and paid to your provider.
Services to keep me well and independent
Depending on the level of Home Care Package you are selected for, you may receive assistance with a range of services. There are three main categories that they fall under, which are:
Services to keep me safe in my home
Cleaning and Home Maintenance: Help you keep your home clean and liveable.
Minor Home Modifications: To increase or maintain your ability to move safely around your home.
Goods, Equipment, and assistive technology: Aids and equipment to help with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations.
Services to keep me connected to my community
Transport Services: To get you out and about to appointments and community activities
Social Support Services: To encourage you to take part in social and community activities that promote and protect your lifestyle, interests, and wellbeing.
Services to keep me safe in my home
Cleaning and Home Maintenance: Help you keep your home clean and liveable.
Minor Home Modifications: To increase or maintain your ability to move safely around your home.
Goods, Equipment, and assistive technology: Aids and equipment to help with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations.
Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?
To find out if you are eligible, there are some requirements to be met for an assessment.
Age – Are you over the age of 65
Activities – Which activities are you unable to do independently? A list of essential daily living activities will be given to you for selection of which ones you require assistance with and the level of help.
Self-Funded Care
Steering your way through the complicated home care system can at times be puzzling. When applying for government-funded Home Care Packages and identifying a provider that can assist you in understanding contracts, fees, and terms can be an overwhelming process for you and your family.
Situations may arise where you need to use a provider that isn’t subsidized by the Australian Government. This may be as a result of having been assessed of your care requirements through My Aged Care and:
- You have not been found to be eligible for an Australian Government subsidized aged care package, or
- You have been found eligible, but waiting for these funded services to become available to you.
Applying for a Home Care Package Assessment
If you believe that a Home Care Package will be of assistance to your daily life, here is how to apply.
Step 1
You can request an assessment from My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or you can get assessed by applying online
Step 2
An income assessment can be arranged with the Department of Human Services on 1800 227 475
Step 3
My Aged Care will send your Home Care Package assignment letter
Step 4
Once you have received your assignment letter and income assessment results, contact Metro Healthcare.
Step 5
We will determine with you what services you require and how often.
Step 6
We will work with you to design a personal care plan based on your requirements.
Step 7
Enter into a Home Care Agreement with Metro Healthcare.
Step 8
Begin receiving Home Care services and enjoying your lifestyle.
Our team will take the time to understand and value what is important to you. This allows us to support and assist you in ways that enable you to enjoy being in your own home with your needs and standards being met.
Expected Wait Times For Available Packages
Waiting times for Home Care Packages (HCP) have significantly increased leaving many people in a limbo-like state questioning when they will be able to access the support that they are in need of; this is even with prior approval for an HCP.
If you have been successful in your assessment for an HCP, you will receive a letter of approval from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You will then be placed in the system from the date given in your approval letter. Packages are assigned fairly through the national priority system. This will be based on the date of approval and priority for care.
However, it should be noted that this letter is only to notify you that you are eligible and you have been approved for an HCP, this does not mean that you are able to start your HCP right away.
For a medium level priority, the expected wait time for an approved Home Care Package is:
| Approved Home Care Package Level | Wait Time From Letter Approval Date | Funding Amount Per Year | Hours of Support Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 3 – 6 Months | $9,026.45 | 2-3 Hours |
| Level 2 | 9 – 12 Months | $15,877.50 | 4-5 Hours |
| Level 3 | 9 – 12 Months | $34,550.90 | 9-10 Hours |
| Level 4 | 9 – 12 Months | $52,377.50 | 12-14 Hours |
Self-funded home care permits you to start your journey into home care whilst you are on the waiting list for a government-funded HCP. Metro Healthcare are experts in providing privately funded home care within aged care. We are able to assist you and your loved ones in receiving the support you require when you are in need of it most.
You will be able to expect the same professional level of service from us as customers who are already accessing government funding.
- Personal Care
- Nursing Services
- Transportation
- Shopping Assistance
- Meal Preparation
- Community Participation
- Social Integration
Grooming, bathing, help with personal care, meal preparation, transportation, cleaning, or gardening services will be delivered by our professional and caring support staff. Our team will work with you to provide your services in a tailored approach that benefits you. This can be in specific features such as culture, language, race, religion, or gender. Metro Healthcare is committed to assisting you in living your best life from the comfort of your own home. The next letter that you will receive from My Aged Care is called a letter of assignment. This letter will be to advise you that a Home Care Package is now available to you. This letter will also include a referral code.
When you receive this letter, your approved Home Care Package is now available; the self-funded services can be discontinued or transferred to a government-funded package with Metro Healthcare. Upon receiving your referral code, you will have 56 days from the date on your letter to contact your choice of provider and give them your referral code. We will then guide you in the next steps and assist your transition in running as smoothly as possible. We will then adjust your services accordingly to ensure that you are receiving the best level of care that is available to you. Once you contact us with your referral code, one of our experienced service coordinators will work with you to discuss how best we can assist you in living independently. We will aid you in designing a package that suits your needs as an individual. We take the time and effort to understand you and your lifestyle so that your personalized home care package works for you.
Metro Healthcare have over 20 years of combined experience in delivering personalized home care services and supports that best meet your needs. If you are interested in receiving self-funded care with Metro Healthcare please submit an inquiry or speak to a member of our amazing customer service team. Once your inquiry has been submitted, our dedicated and experienced staff will be there each step of the way to make sure you’re happy with our services and continue enjoying your lifestyle. Receiving home care services from Metro Healthcare means you can maintain living independently, knowing you are supported by a professional and supportive team of experts in aged care living.
We are here to help you, please contact us on 1300 755 052 or please submit your enquiry below
