From Where Can I Get Aged Care Help
For most people, growing older means there are times you find it difficult to manage the day-to-day living activities. You may need extra help, or you may be caring for a family member or a friend who needs help, but you just don’t know where to start or what help you can get. You can find help by contacting “My Aged Care” at 1800 200 422 (free call) or reading the “My Aged Care” website https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/. It’s never too early to talk about getting help. Knowing what services are available before you need them will help you be prepared to make decisions about you future.
What services are available?
Care at home
“My aged Care” can help you access services at home, which can improve your wellbeing and help you stay independent. Receiving help with regular activities at the right time can help you manage better at home.
You may be eligible to receive services such as:
# household jobs like cleaning or gardening
# nursing, physiotherapy and other care
# meals
# personal care like help with getting dressed
# transport
# modifications to your home like hand rails or ramps
# equipment like walking frames
# social activities
Short-Term help
“My Aged Care” can also help you access short-term care services for situations such as:
# recovery from an illness, including after a hospital stay
# when you have had a setback and want to get your independence back
# when you or your carer needs a break (respite care).
Care in an aged care home
If you find you need ongoing help with day-to-day tasks or health care, a residential aged care home lets you live in a supported environment where help is available 24 hours a day.
Who pays for services?
The Australian Government contributes to the cost of aged care services. You are expected to contribute to the cost if you can afford to. How much you pay may depend on:
# your financial situation
# the umber and types of services you receive
# the service provider
Are you eligible for services?
A call to “My Aged Care” can help you understand:
# what services may be available
# how much they cost
# how you can access then
“My Aged Care” may arrange a face-to-face assessment of your care needs.
How to access services
1) Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply for an assessment online
For an online assessment click on the following link:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online
# You will be asked questions over the phone to help work out your needs and care arrangements – this takes at leas ten minutes.
# You can also apply for an assessment on the “My Aged Care” website.
# You will need your Medicare card.
# If you’re applying for someone else, they will need to give their consent.
2) Have a face-to-face assessment
# My Aged Care may arrange for a training assessor to come to your home.
# With your consent they will assess your care needs and eligibility for services. They will then work with you to develop a support plan, which addresses your needs, goals and preferences.
# Someone else can be with you during this visit.
3) Find out about costs
# My Aged Care can give you information about how you might have to pay. You may need to complete a financial assessment through the Department of Human Services.
4) Find a provider
# The My Age Care website can help you find and compare providers in your local area that meets your needs.
Some useful “My Aged Care” links:
Types of care: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/types-care
Help at home: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home
Short-term care: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/short-term-care
Aged care homes: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-homes