Explainer: Government Funded Home Care Packages

The journey of looking after ourselves as we age, or of providing care for those around us often involves navigating a complex landscape of support options, specially when it comes to understanding government-funded Home Care Packages (HCPs). At Reliant, we are committed to empowering individuals with knowledge and providing transparent access to care services. Here, we aim to demystify HCPs, offering insights and guidance for individuals and their support network seeking the best possible care.

1. What are Home Care Packages?

Home Care Packages are government-funded programs designed to support and assist older Australians who wish to maintain their independence in their own homes. Reliant Healthcare offers a range of tailored services, including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing care, and allied health services, to meet those individual needs.

2. Levels of Home Care Packages:

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, ranging from Level 1 (basic care needs) to Level 4 (high-level care needs). Our experienced team at Reliant Healthcare can guide you through the assessment process, ensuring you receive the appropriate level of funding for the services you require.

3. Accessing a Home Care Package:

To access a Home Care Package, the first step is to contact My Aged Care, the government’s central entry point for aged care services. Reliant Healthcare can provide support throughout the assessment process, ensuring your needs are accurately assessed and understood. If you are approved for a HCP, you will be advised of the Level at which you have been assessed.

It is important to note that there is a distinction between being approved for a Home Care Package, and being assigned that Home Care Package. There can be a lengthly delay between being approved for a Home Care Package, and having that package assigned. Many Reliant clients who require immediate assistance opt to receive privately paid services which can commence immediately, while they wait for their their package to be assigned.

4. Cost and Subsidies:

Home Care Packages are subsidised by the Australian government, and Reliant Healthcare is committed to providing transparent information about the associated costs. We can help you understand the different types of fees, including the basic daily fee, income-tested fee, and additional fees for specific services, ensuring you have a clear picture of the financial aspects.

5. Choosing a provider:

Once approved for a Home Care Package, individuals can choose their preferred care provider. This choice empowers them to select a provider that aligns with their values and offers services tailored to their needs. At Reliant, we are dedicated to providing quality care services and transparent guidance throughout the process. We want to be your trusted partner in navigating Home Care Packages, ensuring you or those who are important to you, receive the support they deserve to live a fulfilling and independent life.

Decoding the NDIS

Decoding NDIS Funded Disability Care: FAQ

Navigating the world of NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can be challenging, but at Reliant, we believe that understanding is the first step towards empowerment. In this guide, we aim to decode NDIS Funded Disability Care, providing answers to common questions and shedding light on the support available for individuals with disabilities.

1. What is NDIS Funded Disability Care?

NDIS Funded Disability Care is a government-funded initiative in Australia aimed at providing support and services for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. The scheme focuses on empowering individuals to lead an independent and fulfilling life by funding necessary supports and services.

2. Who is Eligible for NDIS Support?

Individuals under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects their ability to participate effectively in everyday activities may be eligible for NDIS support. Eligibility criteria are assessed based on individual circumstances.

3. How Does NDIS Funding Work?

NDIS operates on a person-centered approach, tailoring support plans to meet the unique needs and goals of the participant. Funding covers various supports such as daily activities, transport, therapies, and equipment. The NDIS participant, in collaboration with service providers, decides how the funding is allocated.

4. What Services Does NDIS Fund?

NDIS funding supports a wide range of services, including but not limited to:

  • Daily Personal Activities: Assistance with daily personal activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
  • Therapeutic Supports: Access to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
  • Community Participation: Support to engage in social and recreational activities within the community.
  • Assistive Technology: Funding for aids and equipment to assist with daily living and mobility.

5. How Can Reliant Healthcare Assist with NDIS Funded Disability Care?

At Reliant, we specialise in providing personalised and client-focused NDIS funded disability care. Our experienced team works closely with participants to understand their unique needs and aspirations. We offer a range of services, including personal care, therapeutic support, and assistance with community participation.

6. How Can Families Get Involved in the NDIS Process?

Families can play a crucial role in supporting individuals through the NDIS process. This includes actively participating in planning meetings, sharing insights into the individual’s needs and goals, and collaborating with service providers to ensure the NDIS plan aligns with the participant’s aspirations.

7. How Can Individuals Apply for NDIS Funding?

To apply for NDIS funding, individuals need to submit an access request and provide relevant documentation about their disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) assesses the eligibility and, if approved, collaborates with the individual to develop a tailored support plan.

Conclusion

Decoding NDIS Funded Disability Care is about breaking down complex information into practical knowledge, empowering individuals and their families. At Reliant, we are committed to supporting individuals through their NDIS journey, providing compassionate and personalised care that aligns with their unique needs and goals. If you have more questions or seek assistance, feel free to reach out – we are here to help you navigate the path towards enhanced independence and wellbeing.

Dementia: it’s a mindset shift for everyone

September is Dementia Awareness Month, a time to understand a disease that impacts over 413,000 Australians and is projected to reach over 536,000 people by 2025.

While the disease and these statistics can be frightening and worrisome, there are some really important things to consider to make your family’s journey with dementia a lot easier.

As with all relationships, communication is key. But you must be aware that your usual communication methods will need adapting – a shift – when you’re dealing with a loved one who has dementia.

Last week we gained some valuable insights when we heard Steven Sabat, Professor Emeritus, speak at the Dementia Awareness Month presentation at the Art Gallery of NSW. He discussed the cognitive and social abilities of people with moderate to severe dementia – and how communication between people diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers may be enhanced.

Here are some strategies we recommend to alleviate stress and to strengthen your relationship with your loved one, through this new challenge.  (And inspired by the powerful words of the great Johnny Mercer and the Pied Pipers).

Accentuate the positives

We know actions speak louder than words and this is particularly the case when speaking with people with dementia. Have open, friendly body language – give a reassuring hold of the hand. Often dementia patients can be confused and anxious, but your warmth will help keep them at ease.

If they’ve got information wrong, or have recalled something that didn’t occur – don’t concern yourself with correcting them as this will create more confusion. Play along or change the subject. And if you start to feel a bit frazzled or stressed, take a deep breath, keep calm and carry on.

Eliminate the negatives

TV, radio, or a bustling environment can be incredibly distracting and may make it difficult for you to hold each other’s attention. Be sure to turn background noise off, close a curtain or move to a quiet space so you can focus on one another.

Routine is also very important. Due to the confusing nature of dementia, it’s crucial to maintain a level of regularity in the day to day activities and life of a person with dementia. New environments can be very confusing and even frightening, so try to be aware of this risk factor.

If your loved one appears in distress, don’t ignore this, but do try to move on and find something else to think about. For example you can say “I’m sorry you’re feeling upset – let’s go for a walk in the garden.”

Latch on to the affirmative

If you find an activity that your loved one particularly enjoys, hold onto this, as chances are it will keep working.

Often the best method is highlighting the person’s interests and doing activities based around this. Did they love music? Listen to music! Art galleries? Movies? Visual and audio activities, especially those that bring a sense of nostalgia for the patient can be very comforting.

You may also find going through old photo albums, or talking about stories from their youth can be a helpful topic to get onto – and one where their memories are still vivid. Try to steer clear of asking questions that rely on short-term memory.

Don’t mess with Mr In-Between

Treat all people with common courtesy, have clarity in your communication and don’t put people in a position to fail. Be very direct and don’t ask roundabout questions, otherwise you’ll find yourself on a roundabout that you can’t get off!

By this we mean, try to avoid open-ended questions, or giving too many choices. For example, “Would you like to wear pants or a skirt today?” gives two very clear options. If there is confusion, rephrase your questions and maintain a non-anxious presence.

Try to use people’s names rather than using pronouns like him, her, they – remembering your loved one may have lost track of very recent conversations and being specific will help keep them on course.

With activities, break these down into steps rather than jumping straight into them and remember that visual cues can be very helpful.

Finally, try to maintain a sense of humour – as long as it’s not at your loved one’s expense. Despite their new mindset, they still have their social skills and will love a laugh – so look for the humour and positivity in each moment,  and it will be a better experience for all.

With over 60% of clients with dementia, we understand the challenges but also know there is still so much space for creating special moments and enjoying time with your loved one – it just takes a little bit of patience and practice.

If you, or a loved one is experiencing dementia, Fight Dementia has wonderful resources, fact sheets and suggestions to support you on this unique journey.

https://www.fightdementia.org.au/

 

Cloud-based technology and health

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