In this segment of Speak My Language, Odysseas Kripotos explains what is the Home Care packages program, and how it can help the elderly retain their independence.
Speak My Language is sponsored by the federal government and is a joint initiative undertaken by the Multicultural Community Councils of NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
SBS Radio and the National Ethnic Broadcaster’s Council (NEMBC) act as the program’s communication partners.
Odysseas Kripotos works at the aged care service ‘’Frontitha Care’’.
What is a Home Care Package
It is a government service with the goal of helping the elderly to keep living in their homes.
‘’An elderly person will get a package when the Commonwealth Home Support Program, the main aged care program at home, is not enough to respond to that person’s needs but that person does not need to be admitted to an aged care home’’ says Mr. Kripotos.
‘’Each package is tailored to that individual’s needs and the elderly will have a significant influence on the services they receive’’ he adds.
It also depends on the level of the package a person will receive from the government.
There are four levels of Home Care packages, with the levels increasing as the needs of the individual rise.
How does one get a home care package?
A person who wishes to acquire a Home Care package will need to reach out to My Aged Care service. This can be done by calling 1800 200 422 or online through myagedcare.gov.au.
Mr Kripotos notes that interested parties will need to call and provide their details.
‘’A first evaluation will soon follow to determine the level of care the elderly person needs and the services they will receive. If it is judged that more assistance is required then the elderly will have to pass through a second evaluation. The entire process is free.’’ He explains.
Until the final approval is given, the elderly person will be placed on a waiting list. Once the approval is granted, the elderly will have to contanct an aged care service provider.
‘’The right provider can determine the success of the package’’ says Mr Kripotos and adds that ‘’they need to determine what services they provide and how much they will cost, along with the management of the package. So some research is required’’.
It should be noted that if an interested party initiates the process but later decides to eschew the services, it is possible to cancel it.
The size of the waiting list is significant and often an elderly will have to wait for several months before getting the Home Care package they require.
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