What to Do If Your Care Needs Change While Waiting for a Home Care Package

The wait for a Home Care Package (HCP) can be weeks to months. Sometimes you will be offered a package at a lower level or support through the Commonwealth Home Support program (CHSP) while you wait for a package to become available.

If you think your condition has changed or your circumstances, such as availability of support from family has changed it is important to take immediate action to ensure that your care needs are reassessed and that you receive the appropriate level of support as soon as possible.

Many people keep a diary and can then use the information when asking for a reassessment or discussing their needs with MyAgedCare. The types of information you could include are:

·       New symptoms or health issues.

·       Difficulty performing everyday tasks that you could do before (e.g., dressing, cooking, bathing).

·       Any medical visits or hospital admissions related to your condition.

·       Any notes or recommendations from healthcare professionals.

This information can be helpful during the reassessment process and can provide a clear picture of how your needs have evolved.

If your condition or circumstances have changed you can do the following:

1. Contact My Aged Care

Contact MyAgedCare and explain your situation. Inform them of any significant changes in your health or living conditions, such as increased difficulty with daily activities, worsening medical conditions, or a change in your care arrangements (e.g., a family caregiver is no longer able to help). Let them know that your care needs have changed and ask for a reassessment of your situation.

2. Request a Review of Your ACAT Assessment

If your condition has worsened since your initial Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment, you may need to request a review of your assessment. This can be done through MyAgedCare, and it could lead to a change in your priority level or an adjustment in the level of care you are eligible for.

Examples of situations where a reassessment may be needed include:

·       If you’ve experienced a decline in mobility, cognitive function, or overall health.

·       If you now require more help with personal care, household tasks, or medical support.

·       If a caregiver is no longer available, or if you’re struggling more with living independently.

ACAT may arrange for a new assessment to update your care needs and, if necessary, move you to a higher priority category for receiving an HCP.

3. Explore Interim Support Options

While you are waiting for reassessment or an upgrade in your Home Care Package priority there may be some other support options you can access:

·       you may be able to access interim services through CHSP; these services can provide temporary assistance with things like cleaning, meal preparation, personal care, and transport until your HCP is available.

·       you may also consider hiring private care services or seeking help from local community groups or charities to fill the gap in your care.

4. Notify Health Professionals or Support Coordinators

It’s also important to keep any healthcare providers or support coordinators involved in your care informed about your changing condition. They may be able to advocate on your behalf and provide supporting documentation to assist with speeding up the reassessment process.

5. Follow Up Regularly

After requesting a reassessment or priority change, regularly follow up with MyAgedCare or the ACAT to check the progress of your request. This will ensure your case doesn’t get delayed unnecessarily and that you stay informed about your care status.

6. Consider Respite Care

If your condition has deteriorated significantly and your family or informal caregivers are struggling to meet your needs, you may consider respite care. Respite care provides short-term care in a residential facility, giving caregivers a break and providing you with professional support during this time of increased need.

Our thoughts

Organising an assessment, clearly articulating your needs and being proactive if your needs or circumstances change are incredibly important when your goal is to remain at home.
Australians are lucky to have access to funding and supports to assist them to remain at home. Knowing how to maximise use of these, combined with how you utilise informal carers and the support from your GP and other health professionals is crucial.
There is no one size fits all solution in aged care - it is all about finding the best solution for you, your needs and your circumstances.