5 steps to getting a home care package

Are you wondering ‘what is a home care package?', ‘how can I get a home care package?' or ‘do I need a home care package?'

For many, the choice to have in-home care is the best option and a Home Care Package could suit you.

Want to know how to get a Home Care Package? Here's the 5 steps you need to know

1. Decide what sort of care you need
2. Be assessed by ACAS
3. Get your assessment back with the outcome
4. Accept your offer and choose a provider
5. Get started with VMCH.

Eligibility for a Home Care Package is based on your care needs, which might be:

• an older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home, or
• a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.

The first step is to find out if you’re eligible – we can help with that. You can call us on 1300 698 624 and we can help you to get started.We can make a referral for an assessment on your behalf. You can also request an assessment yourself by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

My Aged Care will contact you, think about what support you might need, and they’ll determine what package level is best for you. Of course, we can help you to prepare for this assessment, just give us a call on 1300 698 624. To find out if you are eligible to a Home Care Package, you will need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS).

From there we’ll help you with the My Aged Care registration process and provide you with information and advice

As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages. The ACAS package level assigned to you is based on your needs.

Level 1:          Basic care needs

Level 2:          Low care needs

Level 3:          Intermediate care needs

Level 4:          High care needs

Age is no barrier to living life alongside VMCH

Our range of flexible services and support options keeps everyone excited to live every day to its fullest. Learn about our in-home, residential care or disability services today.Once you’ve been assessed, you’ll receive a letter with the outcome, and if you’ve been approved, the level you’ve been approved for. Give us a call on 1300 698 624 and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

In the meantime, as there is a national waitlist, we can organise entry-level support prior to the commencement of your package. We can also help you with privately funded services.Three months before your package is due to commence, you’ll get a ‘readiness letter’ from My Aged Care with paperwork for you to complete.

Then, once your package becomes available you’ll receive a letter confirming the details. Contact us on 1300 698 624 when you receive this letter, and we’ll walk you through the details of being a VMCH client.We’ll work with you to create a care plan for your needs. As part of your Home Care Package you will have access to a VMCH Case Manager. We know a lot about aged care. Naturally, our Case Managers are knowledgeable and can support you to get the most out of your Home Care Package.

We offer ongoing service, regular contact via phone and face-to-face visits. We also regularly review your services to make sure your needs and goals are being met.Want to learn more about Home Care Packages and how we can help you? The VMCH Customer Service Centre is available to help Monday to Friday 8am-5:30pm on 1300 698 624.

To find out more, or to download a brochure, please visit vmch.com.au

For more information about Home Care Packages, visit My Aged Care.

Written by VMCH - December 16 2020 - View a range of our articles here.