How To Find A Home Care Package Provider
28 June, 2024
If you've recently been approved for a home care package, you may be wondering what you should do next. Commencing in-home care can be challenging and it's easy to get overwhelmed by the life changes you or your family member may be going through. That's why it's important to take things one step at a time. Now that your funding has been approved, it's a good idea to start looking for a home care provider in your area.
What is a home care provider?
A home care provider is an organisation that delivers care and support services to older Australians who wish to live independently in their own home The funds you have been allocated through My Aged Care will be paid to the home care provider you choose. They will then deliver the services that will be outlined in your care plan.
My Aged Care adopts a consumer-directed model which means that you have the opportunity to choose a home care package provider that best suits your needs. For this reason, it's really important to take some time to find the right provider for you, with experience delivering home care packages. It's also worth noting that self-management is also an option.
Home care providers differ greatly and not all will offer the services you required. Our advice is that you search widely to explore the home care providers that operate in your area, compare providers carefully and select the one that's right for you.
As a result, we decided to put together this simple guide to make the process a little simpler and to help you find the perfect home care provider that suits your needs.
Searching for home care package providers
There are a number of ways that you can go about finding a home care provider.
Ask your assessor to refer you to a provider
This is the simplest approach to take and might suit you if you don't want to search for a provider yourself or don't have capacity to do this at the moment. The My Aged Care team will refer you to a provider who will contact you to discuss your services.
Use the My Aged Care tool
Alternatively, you can search for a provider yourself, using the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website.
To use this tool, you need to enter your location and your particular needs. The tool will then generate a list of nearby providers who you can contact.
If you go for this option, your assessor will provide you with a referral code. Once you've found the provider you wish to use, you will give them your referral code. From there, your new provider will be able to start arranging your services.
If you're having trouble with this, you can call My Aged Care for guidance on 1800 200 422.
Use word-of-mouth
While it might sound a little old-fashioned, speaking to other people you know about their experiences with their own providers, is still one of the best ways to get the information you need to make the decision that's right for you. Personal recommendations can offer valuable insights into the quality of care, reliability, and responsiveness of various providers.
Do internet searches
Start by using search engines to look up providers in your area, and visit their websites for more detailed information. Companies like Focus Care have extensive information about their services, fees, and care options on their website. Additionally, forums and social media groups dedicated to aged care topics can offer recommendations and advice.
Explore comparison sites
Comparison sites such as AgedCareDecisions are also available. These sites promise to help find you a provider that suits you. However, it's important to remember that they may only work with specific providers and won't always provide you with all the options available in your area.
Comparing aged care providers
You should consider a range of factors when choosing your provider. These include:
Availability
Some providers may not be available in your area, or may not be available when you need them. This information is available using the Find A Provider tool.
Cost
Prices can vary among providers, so comparing different options is essential to maximize your package funds.
All providers are required to publish a comprehensive price list for all their services and associated costs. Key aspects to examine include the costs of services, care management, exit fees and package management. The fees will differ based on the provider you select.
All providers deliver services differently and as a result, have different cost structures. It's important to review their service descriptions and pricing details to understand these differences. The costs of services may fluctuate depending on when they are delivered. Generally, higher rates apply on weekends and outside the hours of 6 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
In addition to additional fees, care and package management costs might also be part of your package. Care management ensures you receive coordinated care, while package management covers the administration necessary to deliver your services. These costs also differ across providers.
Common services
All providers should be able to offer you a range of basic services. These include:
Personal care
Cleaning and household tasks
Light gardening
Specialised Services
By contrast, not all providers are able to offer a full range of specialised services. Some providers such as Focus Care, offer services such as art and music therapy, and pet therapy that can provide huge benefits to individuals. Montessori focussed Dementia care is also available through Focus Care.
Languages Offered
If English is not your first language, it's also important to consider whether you'd prefer support delivered in another language. Some providers provide these options.
Quality
All providers are required to meet Aged Care Quality Standards that ensure individuals receive quality care. If a specific provider has failed to meet the quality standards in the past, this information is recorded. You can access this information through the Find A Provider tool. Once you find the specific provider you're interested in, select the 'Compliance' tab to look at their record.
Contacting providers
Once you have a shortlist of providers, it’s beneficial to meet with them. It can also be valuable to have an initial chat over the phone. Some providers like Focus Care are available any time during work hours for a chat.
Speaking with providers will give you a clear understanding of what they offer. You’ll be able to learn about the types of care, services, and activities available to you. Some providers also provide disability support.
Selecting an aged care provider
Once you feel comfortable with a provider and decide to use their services, you'll work together with your chosen provider to develop a care plan. This plan will detail your needs and how the provider will meet them.
How can focus care help?
Focus Care is a high-quality aged care service provider that offers a range of specialist services and excellent plan management. Focus Care is a leading provider well worth considering when exploring your home care options.
Contact our friendly team today to talk about how we can assist you with your care needs while you continue to live independently at home.
