Changes to Home Care Packages: July 1st 2015

On July 1st 2015, all Commonwealth funded home care packages will be delivered using the CDC (Consumer Directed Care) approach.

Home care packages provide much needed assistance for people who need help to stay safe and well in their own homes. They can help with personal care and general support around the home to help you stay happy and healthy.

Since August 1 2013, all new home care packages have been offered using the Consumer Directed Care approach, meaning that you have even more control over your care.

On July 1 2015, all existing home care packages will be switched to the CDC system.

With Consumer Directed Care, you will have a budged allocated for your home care package, which consists of the funds the government has allocated for you, plus your contribution and any income tested fees (if applicable).

CDC allows you to make the decisions about how the funds are spent. Your home care service provided will hold these funds on your behalf and will work with you to coordinate the services you want. You will receive a statement that lets you see exactly the funds you have, how much you can spend and how much is spent on what.

If your home care provider cannot deliver what you need, then you can ask them to buy from somewhere else. Of course, there may be some things that are not possible, or not within your budget so you might need to come up with an alternate plan.

The funds in your home care package are used to pay for assistance and services that help to keep you safe and well at home:

• Personal Assistance  
  • Dressing, showering and using the toilet
  • Making meals and eating

• General Support Services 
  • Doing the cleaning and laundry
  • Doing the shopping and getting to appointments
  • Encouragement to take part in social and community activities
  • Gardening and home maintenance
  • Changes to your home to make it safe and easier for you to live there
  • 24-hour on-call services

• General Support Services 
  • Nurse visits
  • Seeing healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, podiatrists and dieticians
  • Providing bandages and other items needed to look after wounds
  • Providing technological devices, equipment and other items that help you to do things such as get around, look after your personal hygiene, make yourself understood and stay safe

To find out if you are eligible for a Commonwealth funded home care package, you will need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). They will talk with you about what is important to you to help you continue living at home.

Your doctor can refer you to your nearest ACAT or you can search here.

Search for home and community care service providers in your state:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia