Free service for eligible older Australians with Home Care Packages

Key points:

• From July 1, 2024, the Australian Government will establish a new Single Assessment System, which is intended to offer a more tailored approach to the assessment of care for older Australians
• While waiting for Home Care Package funding, eligible older Australians may be able to access funds for goods, equipment and assistive technology to assist with daily living
• Eligible Home Care Package recipients can engage with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme which aims to increase social connection for vulnerable older Australians

Older Australians will be assessed for aged care services through a simpler process from July 1, 2024, to ensure they get the care they need.

This will occur through the new Single Assessment System which aims to be a ‘flexible system that can quickly adapt to older people’s aged care needs,’ as an improvement from current procedures.

While this streamlined process could bring much-needed relief to older Australians awaiting assessments, the need for Home Care Packages shows no sign of slowing down.

The number of older Australians engaging in HCP increased by 10 percent, bringing the total number to 273,306 participants, from March 2023 to March 2024, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Older Australians looking for Home Care Packages may be eligible for daily subsidy levels ranging from basic care to high-level needs, as of June 26, 2024, and are as follows:

• $28.14 for basic care needs;
• $49.49 for low-level care needs;
• $107.70 for intermediate care needs;
• $163.27 for high-level care needs.

Approvals for HCP also rose by nine percent since March 2023, with over 39,000 approvals in the most recent March quarter, as per data available from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

After getting approval for HCP, older Australians still face waiting times before they receive funding for HCP. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care estimated wait times to be up to 12 months for level three support, as of May 2024. The times can vary depending on the older person’s priority rating which is established through initial assessment.

If a person qualifies for level-three support, they are classified as having intermediate care needs. This means they may require care involving medication management, getting dressed in the morning or daily nursing care.

In a four-year study based in South Australia, researchers concluded that long waiting periods for HCPs were ‘associated with a higher risk of long-term mortality as well as transition to permanent residential aged care.’

While waiting for HCPs, some older Australians may be eligible for urgent funding up to the value of $2,500 dollars for goods, equipment and assistive technology —often referred to as GEAT.  

While assessment may be required to determine if additional support is required, some examples of eligible GEAT items can include:

• shower chairs;
• walking frames;
• personal alarms and assistive technology.

However, once someone is engaged in the HCP Program, other opportunities may become available that can help foster an increased connection with their community. You may be eligible for a minimum of 20 visits from a volunteer as part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. 

Almost 20 percent of Australians over the age of 75 years old report feeling lonely, which can negatively affect mental and physical health.

This scheme was developed to help vulnerable older Australians maintain social connections with their community and help in the fight against loneliness. Some vulnerable groups include older people living with disability, those who are financially or socially disadvantaged or those living in remote areas.

Additionally, eligible older Australians living in residential homes can also engage in the scheme. 

Researchers of one study concluded that an increase in loneliness and solitude in aged care homes is likely to reduce the quality of life of the affected older people.

If you or someone you know would like to create a referral for participation, you can visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website for more information.

Are you waiting on funds for your HCP? What are your thoughts on the new streamlined assessment process?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

For more information and news in the aged care industry, subscribe to our free newsletter. 

Relevant content:

Could the colder months be more dangerous for older Australians?

The fallout from losing friends and how treatment tackles it

Could your neighbourhood increase the risk of dementia?