We continue to read in the news about how much the government is actually spending on aged care. The Guardian only just recently released an article that reported that the Australian government has spent $31.2bn on community services in the past financial year. Of that, $17.4bn was spent on aged care services[1].

So where is all of this money going?

Much of it is spent on home care support. In fact, the Government-subsidised aged care services are designed to keep people living well in their own homes for much longer, keeping them out of Residential Aged Care facilities.

There are two main home care funding streams available:

1. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).  This is designed to help older Australians remain independent in their own homes and communities for longer.  Funding covers services to help with daily tasks and can even help carers with planned respite.
    

2. Home Care Packages.   Home Care Packages offer choice and flexibility for recipients. Packages are tailored to meet a range of care needs and are offered at four levels depending on the amount of support required. There are four levels - Level 1 : Basic care package through to Level 4 : High level care package

With the introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) Home Care Packages are now controlled by the recipient rather than the service provider. This means that you can compare providers to find one that best meets your individual needs. Today, it is much easier to change providers. If you make a change, the funding for your package will follow you to your new provider.

Assessments for both the CHSP and Home Care Package are facilitated by the Australian Government through MyAgedCare.  For the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you may need a home support assessment.  Home Care Packages are planned by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. 

Karista is a company that can assist with funding information, but also with reviewing a list of providers that best suit the needs of the individual. The process is quick and thorough and then Karista connects you directly with the provider you choose.

To compare providers visit www.karista.com.au or call 1300 274 782 for assistance and get quotes to understand the cost of selected providers in order to make the right choice for you.

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/23/four-in-five-older-australians-get-public-aged-care-report