Home Care Package

 

What is Aged Care?

Aged care is the support provided to older people (65 years of age or older) in their own home or in an aged care home (nursing home).

This support can include help with everyday living, health care, accommodation and equipment such as walking frames or ramps. Government-funded aged care services are available to eligible people.

Types of aged care services that are subsidised by the government:

  • Care in your home (CHSP and HCP funding)
  • Residential care in aged care (nursing) homes
  • Short-term care (after hospital care and/or respite care)

Home Care Package

A Home Care Package is a government-funded program designed to support you to live at home safely and independently, known officially as My Aged Care. After you have been assessed for your Home Care Package, AMES Australia can help you assemble the services you need to make the most of your package.

Why choose AMES Australia as your Home Care Package (HCP) provider?

AMES Australia has been helping clients feel at home in Australia for more than 70 years.

We will provide you with your own dedicated Care Manager to work with you to implement your care plan and ensure your needs are met and your goals are achieved.

We are transparent with our fees. We do not charge Basic Daily Fees, which means your package buys you more services.

We only charge the fees we tell you we will charge and do not have hidden fees.

Across our organisation and service team we speak more than 70 languages.

Contact us about My Aged Care today.

What is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is a government service to help older people, their families, and carers access aged care information and services, such as

  • The types of care
  • Assessment for care needs
  • Relevant tools
  • Support for carers

Different care types

Help at home

If tasks that once seemed easy now feel more challenging, My Aged Care’s Help at Home can assist.

There are four service areas related to this service:

  • Services for getting out and staying social. These services are for when you need assistance participating in fun activities and meeting people to enjoy time with others.
  • Services for getting some temporary help. If you're recovering from an illness or need extra support for a short period, these services can assist. They help you manage your daily tasks and routine while regaining your independence.
  • Services for keeping you well. This includes a range of services to help you stay healthy at home. Some examples are assistance with your personal care, support for managing specific conditions, help preparing meals, nursing services to treat and monitor medical conditions and services to maintain your movement and mobility.
  • Services for keeping your home liveable. Sometimes, your home needs changes to make it safer and easier to live in. This is the service for that.

Short-term care

Sometimes, you might need a little extra help for a short time. This could be because you're recovering from an illness or surgery or need extra support for a while. My Aged Care offers short-term care services for these situations.

These services are available for this type of care:

  • Restorative care. Sometimes, you might need help to get back some skills you've lost because of illness or injury. Restorative care focuses on exercises and activities that help you regain strength and abilities.
  • Transition care. After a hospital stay, you might need extra help to get back on your feet. Transition care provides support like nursing, physiotherapy, and other specialised support to assist you with daily tasks.
  • Respite care. If your regular caregiver needs a break or has an appointment, respite care can be beneficial. This service means someone will take care of you for a short time. It can be at your home or somewhere else, like a care facility.

Aged care homes

When living at home becomes too hard, and you need more help with everyday tasks or health care, an aged care home might be the right choice. These homes are also known as nursing homes or residential aged care facilities.

Aged care homes provide

  • Comfortable living arrangements, including private or shared rooms, common areas for socialising, gardens, and other facilities.
  • Regular cleaning of living spaces and personal laundry services to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
  • Specialised care if you have specific health conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or mobility issues. 
  • Access to health care, including medical monitoring, administration of medication, wound care, and access to health professionals like doctors, nurses, and therapists.

Assessment for care needs

To know which of these types of care applies to you, you must go through an assessment process.

The first step is to determine if you can access government-funded aged care services.  The eligibility criteria are listed on My Aged Care website. You can also call their number to ask if you can access this support.

If you pass the first step, the next thing to do is have your in-person assessment done at your home. The assessor will call you for the schedule.

There are two types of assessments, and the one you'll have depends on your needs:

  • Home Support Assessment with a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for low-level needs or if you require only a little support to stay independent
  • Comprehensive Assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) if your needs are more complex.
Before the assessment, you should have the following ready:

  • A list of your needs, such as help with daily activities like bathing, cooking, or getting around
  • Your medical information from your doctor
  • Contact details of your doctor or other health professionals
  • Who currently helps you, like family, friends, or community services.
  • Your preferences in your care. This could be staying in your home, being close to family, or specific cultural needs. 
  • Any special assistance you need, such as an interpreter or translator
  • Details about the support you are already receiving
  • Any questions you have about the assessment or care options

During the assessment, you may be asked to fill out a form, discuss your needs and work with the assessor to develop your care plan. You can ask a family member, friend or a carer to be there for you this entire time.

After the assessment, you will be contacted by My Aged Care regarding your outcome.

Relevant tools

Besides providing detailed explanations of different care types and guiding you through the assessment process, My Aged Care also offers access to several relevant tools. Some of these are:

  • Eligibility checker
  • Fee estimator
  • Non-compliance checker
  • Make a referral
  • Find a provider
  • Help explorer

Support for carers

Another important section on the My Aged Care website is designed for carers. Being a carer often means looking after a family member, partner, or friend who needs regular and ongoing help. 

Many carers don't see themselves in this role because they think they are simply caring for someone they love, and as a result, they might not realise that there is help and support available for them.

What My Aged Care services can AMES Australia provide?

AMES can provide:

  • Care management covers co-ordinating the care and the services that will help you deliver on the goals you identified in your care plan.
  • Package management covers the administrative and organisational costs required to deliver and manage your Home Care Package smoothly and in a way that complies with the government’s regulatory requirements.

AMES care management helps you select the services you need in your Home Care Package, which means our focus is helping you maintain your independence and enjoy your life at home.

More specifically, we assist with

  • daily activities such as showering and maintaining personal hygiene
  • using the phone, hearing aids, and other communication tools
  • nutrition and meal preparation, ensuring you have healthy and suitable meals
  • necessary care like bandages and dressings for skin-related needs
  • continence management, providing products like disposable pads, commode chairs, and bedpans for
  • mobility aids such as crutches, handrails, wheelchairs, and bed rails to enhance movement and safety
  • participating in social activities and accessing emergency services, ensuring you remain connected with your community.
  • reviewing care agreements and ensuring that the services provided are suitable and meet your needs
  • accessing healthcare services such as nursing, podiatry, physiotherapy, and hearing services, tailored to your health requirements
     

Aged care with AMES Australia

Lets you be in control
You get your own Care Manager who will focus just on you. With them, you get to have a say in your care plan. They'll make sure everything is done the way you like it.

Speaks your language
With over 70 languages spoken in our team, chances are you can talk to us in your own language.
 
Has a proven track record
We’ve been around for over 70 years. We’ve seen and done everything. You can feel confident that we’ve helped lots of people just like you and have learned a lot over the years. We know exactly how to help you and make things better. Plus, we have plenty of wisdom to share.
 
Has no hidden fees
We’re open about our costs, so you won't get any surprises with hidden fees. We also don't charge Basic Daily Fees. You'll know exactly what you're paying for, and that can take a big worry off your shoulders.
 

Need help finding home care services or with My Aged Care Victoria?

Finding the right home care service is essential to becoming more independent, so we’re here to support you. Whether you need help with daily tasks, require nursing care, or reviewing your care agreements, we provide clear, helpful guidance to make your choices easier.
 
Contact us today

Or call us on 13 AMES (13 2637)