How It Works
Whatever help you or a loved one needs, our CAREGivers are dedicated to providing the best care possible!
Your Home Care Pathway
At Home Instead, we’re committed to helping make the care and support services you need easy, accessible, personal and affordable.
We understand that if you are at the beginning of your home care journey, the process can seem a little intimidating.
Private Home Care
This option is ideal if you:
- Need home care services immediately;
- Are looking to tailor your care to meet the exact services that you need; or
- Are waiting for government funding, but need care services while you wait.
Our in-home care services are flexible, available as a one-off, short-term or ongoing care arrangement and are tailored to your personal preferences, circumstances, and budget. Our home care services can be arranged immediately – no waiting lists or assessment is needed. One of our trained CAREGivers could be assigned to you in less than two hours if care is needed urgently.
No matter what level of of care you’re seeking at home, Home Instead can offer a solution.
Government Subsidised Home Care
An important step towards finding home care services is to identify and understand what government subsidies are available and if you are eligible to receive them. Navigating your pathway to care and the various government subsidised home care programmes that exist is daunting.
Your local Home Instead office can explain the various programmes available, how they work, and what you need to do to access them. They include:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- Home Care Packages
- Hospital Transition Care Programme
- Respite Care
- Veterans Home Care
How will you be receiving your care?
Self Funded Home Care
This option is ideal if you’re:
- Waiting for government funding, but need care services sooner
- Looking for fund/manage the exact services you need long-term.
No matter what level of care you’re seeking at home
Home Instead can offer a solution.
Personal Care
We can provide assistance with your dressing, showering or toileting – however we can help maintain your independence and dignity.
Companionship
No matter what your hobbies or favourite activities are, we will assign a CAREGiver who will love spending time with you.
24-Hour Care
A team of regular, friendly CAREGivers can be assigned to provide you with 24/7 care, and help you feel safe and secure at home.
Transport
Your friendly CAREGiver can take you wherever you need to go, from important appointments to social outings.
Respite Care
If your family needs the odd little bit of time, your regular CAREGiver can pitch in, and make sure you and your family remain cared for.
Care Management
Managing an array of care services isn’t easy. Home Instead can assist by managing the care you receive from us or other suppliers.
Palliative Care
Our team of CAREGivers are committed to providing everyone with dignified care in the comfort of their own home.
Dementia Care
We believe that the best surroundings for someone with Dementia are their familiar home. We’ll help support you to live comfortably at home.
Public/Government Funding
Before discussing the steps to Government funding, there are quite a few acronyms and government departments involved. So for your reference later, here is what each one means:
MAC = My Aged Care
ACAT = Aged Care Assessment Team (in Victoria, = ACAS)
RAS = Regional Assessment Service
CRCC = Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres
VHC = Veterans’ Home Care
The first step in this journey is to find
out what you’re eligible for.
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I am a veteran, and require home care.
If you hold a Gold or White Card, you will need to be assessed by the VHC Assessment Agency. You can reach the VHC Assessment Agency by calling 1300 550 450.
For more information on benefits and services available, please call the Veterans’ Access Network (VAN). They can be reached on 133 254, or 1800 555 254 for regional callers.
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I am at home (or in hospital, looking to transition home), and need care services.
Your first step should be to contact MAC, and complete an assessment test.
My Aged Care (MAC) can be reached by calling 1800 200 422, or by visiting myagedcare.com.au.
-
I am at home, and need occasional respite care.
You can start by calling either MAC or CRCC. No matter which you call, they will conduct a telephone registration and/or eligibility assessment with you.
MAC can be reached on 1800 200 422.
CRCC can be reached on 1800 052 222.
Depending on your eligibility, you will have the below options:
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Who is it for?
Seniors looking to access entry-level support services, so they are able to continue living independently and safely at home.
Eligibility/Access
MAC will refer you to the RAS for a home support assessment.
Costs
You are required to pay a contribution to the cost of your care.
Service Provider
You can choose from a list of government-funded CHSP-approved providers.
Can Home Instead be subsidised in this programme?
No. Sadly, Home Instead cannot be subsidised by the CHSP.
Where can I find more information?
The MAC website’s CHSP page. You can also call Home Instead on 1300 008 018, and we can help you understand this process.
Home Care Packages Programme (HCP)
Who is it for?
Seniors who want to stay at home, and access a range of ongoing personal services, support services and clinical care that help them with their day-to-day activities.
Eligibility/Access
MAC will refer you to the ACAT for an in-person eligibility assessment.
Costs
You may be required to pay a basic daily care fee, and/or an income-tested care fee (if you are not on a full aged pension).
Service Provider
You can choose any HCP-approved provider to deliver your care services.
Can Home Instead be subsidised in this programme?
Yes. Home Instead is HCP-approved, so can help if you qualify for the HCP.
Where can I find more information?
The MAC website’s Home Care Packages page. You can also call Home Instead on 1300 008 018, and we can help you understand this process.
Hospital Transition Care Programme
Who is it for?
Seniors looking for time-limited, goal-oriented and therapy-focused packages of services after a hospital stay.
Eligibility/Access
Whilst in hospital, MAC will refer you to the ACAT for an eligibility assessment.
Costs
You are required to pay a contribution to the cost of your care.
Service Provider
Your transition care provider is chosen by your state/territory government.
Can Home Instead be subsidised in this programme?
No. Unfortunately, Home Instead cannot be chosen to fulfil Hospital Transition Care needs.
Where can I find more information?
The MAC website’s Transition Care page. You can also call Home Instead on 1300 008 018, and we can help you understand this process.
Respite Care
Who is it for?
Planned or unplanned temporary care to allow your regular carer the chance to take a well earned break, and recharge.
Eligibility/Access
MAC or CRCC will conduct a telephone registration and/or eligibility assessment.
Costs
You are required to pay a contribution to the cost of your care.
Service Provider
You can choose any provider of your choice.
Can Home Instead be subsidised in this programme?
Yes. As the choice is yours, you can select Home Instead if you wish.
Where can I find more information?
The MAC website’s Respite Care page. You can also call Home Instead on 1300 008 018, and we can help you understand this process.
Veterans Home Care (VHC)
Who is it for?
Senior veterans or war widows/widowers, who are seeking home care and support services.
Eligibility/Access
You need to hold a Gold or White Card, and be assessed by the VHC Assessment Agency.
Costs
You may be required to pay a contribution to the cost of your care.
Service Provider
Your services will be delivered by a VHC contracted provider.
Can Home Instead be subsidised in this programme?
No. Home Instead isn’t a VHC contracted provider, unfortunately.
Where can I find more information?
The MAC website’s VHC page. You can also call Home Instead on 1300 008 018, and we can help you understand this process
Navigating both self-funded and Government subsidised care isn’t simple. If you’re ever feeling unsure, please give Home Instead a call on 1300 008 018. Whether our services can help or not, we’re committed to making sure every Australian is receiving the at-home care they need.