WHAT IS A HOME CARE PACKAGE?

The Home Care Package program is an Australian Government initiative to help older people with complex needs to live independently in their own homes.  It uses a consumer-directed care approach to make sure the support suits a person’s needs and goals.  The support is provided through a Home Care Package which is a coordinated mix of services that can include help with household tasks; equipment; minor home modifications; personal care and clinical care such as nursing, allied health and physiotherapy services.  For further information about Home Care Packages, visit the MyAgedCare website

WHY CHOOSE LIFEBRIDGE AS YOUR HOME CARE PACKAGE PROVIDER

Lifebridge Australia is a trusted and approved provider of Home Care Packages and we have been supporting people in our community for over 30 years. 

With Lifebridge, you can expect to receive a coordinated package of services tailored to meet your specific needs to help you stay living in your own home for longer.  

You are in control and have choice and flexibility in the way your care and services can be provided.

With Lifebridge, you can be guaranteed:

  • A dedicated Customer Care Manager;
  • Local, highly-skilled support staff who know the area;
  • The Lifebridge Advantage principles of positive psychology;
  • Registered nursing staff for any clinical care needs.

LEVELS OF SERVICE

As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of support available. Each level of support offers a different amount of funding and is based on the level of care needed.

  • Level 1 – Basic care needs
  • Level 2 – Low care needs
  • Level 3 – Intermediate care needs
  • Level 4 – High care needs 

Your level of support will determine the number of hours of care and services able to be delivered.  If you’re over 65 (or 50 if you identify as having Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage) and think you need some extra support with daily tasks, you can apply for a Home Care Package via the My Aged Care website.

Our Customer Service Centre staff can also guide you through the process of applying for funding.

LIFEBRIDGE HOME CARE PACKAGE SERVICES

Assistance with activities such as bathing, showering, toileting, dressing / undressing, mobility and communication.

These are services that help keep you well and maintain your hygiene.

Support with light household cleaning (dusting, vacuuming and mopping, making beds), laundry and ironing, unaccompanied shopping.

These are services that help keep your home liveable.

Arranging social activities, arranging for you to attend group-based activities in a centre, assisting in connecting and keeping in touch with loved ones.

These are services that help you stay social and connected.

Minor garden maintenance, including weeding, pruning and lawn mowing.

These are services that help keep your home and garden safe and livable.

Help with meal preparation (including special diets for health, religious, cultural or other reasons) and meal delivery services.

These are services that help keep you healthy.

Wound care and management, medication assistance, general health assessments, general health and treatment education to improve self-management.

These are services that help keep you well and independent.

HOW DO I RECEIVE A HOME CARE PACKAGE?

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an aged care assessment.  You can check your eligibility with the My Aged Care Checker tool.  If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an assessment straight away.

Our easy to follow process below will help you to navigate through the necessary actions to apply for a Home Care Package if you are eligible.

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an assessment online.  There are three parts. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessor should call to arrange the assessment.

You will need your Medicare card and enough time (15 to 20 minutes) to complete it.

After you submit your form, a trained assessor will contact you within 2-6 weeks to arrange an assessment.  Assessments are done in person, at your own home.  They will talk to you about your circumstances and needs and work with you to identify what services might suit you best.

For more information about how to prepare for your assessment visit My Aged Care.

After your assessment you will receive an assessment result and, if eligible for services, a support plan. Your support plan will explain what services you are eligible for.  When you receive your support plan and what you do next, depends on the type of assessment you have and the services you’ve been found eligible for.

For more information on this step go to My Aged Care.

Once a decision is made, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will send you a letter.  The letter will contain the assessment team’s decision on whether you are eligible, the services you are eligible to receive, the reasons and evidence supporting the decision and a copy of your support plan developed during your assessment.

There is a lot of demand for Home Care Packages. So, although you are approved for a package, there may be a wait before one can be assigned to you.  Once you have received your approval letter, there are things you can do while you wait.  You can start gathering information so that you’re prepared once you’re assigned a package.

  1. Find a local Home Care Package provider such as Lifebridge.
  2. Look into the costs and fees – read more about Home Care Packages costs and fees.

You will receive another letter advising you to get ready.  You will get this letter around three months before you receive your first package.

Take this time to find an aged care provider such as Lifebridge that’s right for you. Look into the costs and arrange visits with them. If you’ve already chosen Lifebridge as your provider, contact us on 1800 043 186 to confirm we have availability for you in coming months.

This letter will include your referral code, which your chosen provider uses to see your assessment information, support plan and package level.

You have 56 days from the date of your letter to enter into a Home Care Agreement with your chosen provider. If you do not enter into a Home Care Agreement within that period, your package will expire. It will then be allocated to the next person on the national priority system.

If you have chosen Lifebridge as your chosen provider, contact our Customer Services Centre on 1800 043 186 to make an appointment.

Home Care Package Enquiry Form