Home Care Assessment and Eligibility

Getting the right aged care help at home for you

Home Care need not be difficult to organise, knowing that a quality aged care provider like Catholic Homes is here to help. Here we explain the process so you can get the service you need to stay in your home longer.

Aged care services eligibility

To determine eligibility for at help at home you’ll go through a process involving an assessment before you can receive in-home services.

To qualify for aged care services, you need to be an older Australian (usually 65 and above) or an Indigenous Australian (50 and above) who requires assistance to continue living independently at home.

Getting started with Home Care

To determine what level of Home Care is right for you, there are a few things you need to do. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and guide you along the way, so that you’re confident you have what you need to apply for eligibility for our Home Care services.

To get started, you’ll need an assessment to determine your specific needs. The main entry point for aged care support is the Australian Government’s My Aged Care service.

You can call My Aged Care direct; you do not need a referral to get started. When you contact My Aged Care, they’ll go through a series of questions with you, to put you on their register.

They’ll then arrange for an assessment to determine if you’re eligible for Home Care and what level of Home Care it is that you require. This assessment can be done in your home.

What does an aged care assessment mean?

Depending on the level of care you need, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) conducts your aged care assessment. ACAT assessments are more thorough and typically for higher-level packages. During this assessment, they evaluate your physical, social, and emotional needs, as well as your capacity to perform daily tasks.

This assessment is vital in determining the level of care you require and the type of Home Care Package that suits you.

What happens next?

Once your assessment is complete, you’ll be allocated a Home Care Package level, ranging from Level 1 (low care needs) to Level 4 (high care needs). The level you receive is based on the complexity of your needs and your individual circumstances and preferences.

You’ll be notified by My Aged Care of the outcome of your ACAT assessment with an approval. You can then contact us, and we’ll send a dedicated Case Manager to your home to visit you. Your Case Manager will go through our services with you, and tailor a care plan to match your needs and budget.

How long do I wait for aged care services?

It’s essential to note that there may be a waiting period before you receive your allocated Home Care Package. The length of the wait can vary based on demand and the government’s package availability.

You’ll receive a letter from My Aged Care with a unique referral code, once you’ve been assigned and signed up to a Home Care package. Keep this letter handy, it’s very important.

Your Catholic Homes Case Manager will activate your referral code so you can start to receive your Home Care services and funding which will start straight away.

We can help

Let Catholic Homes guide you through the Home Care process, our experienced and knowledge team is here to assist you.

We know this decision is an important one, we’ll listen to you, make sure you have what you want and honour your needs.

Contact us today for help to go through the Home Care process.