I’m helping my parent manage their Home Care Package services, but what if their needs change or they want to take a break? How do we ensure their care continues to suit them?
It’s great that you’re actively involved in supporting your parent’s care. Home Care Packages are designed to be flexible, so they can adapt to changing needs or temporary breaks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manage these services effectively.
What Your Service Provider Must Do
Your Home Care Package provider has a responsibility to:
- Respect Your Parent’s Rights:
- Your parent has the right to be treated as an individual, have their preferences respected, and receive care that upholds their dignity and privacy. They should never feel obligated to be grateful for the care they receive.
- Deliver Reliable and Quality Services:
- Your provider must offer clear information, handle concerns confidentially, and ensure the care is safe and respectful. These services are guided by the Aged Care Quality Standards.
- Meet Your Parent’s Changing Needs:
- Providers should review the care plan at least every 12 months to ensure the services still meet your parent’s needs.
- If their needs change significantly, the provider should refer you to My Aged Care for a reassessment.
What to Do If Your Parent’s Needs Change
If your parent’s care needs evolve, here’s how to manage those changes:
- Review the Care Plan with the Provider:
- Discuss the changes with your provider and ask for a review of the care plan and package budget.
- The provider can often adjust the services or suggest a new combination of care to meet their updated needs.
- Request a New Assessment Through My Aged Care:
- If your provider cannot meet the new care needs, contact My Aged Care for a reassessment.
- This could lead to receiving a higher-level Home Care Package or accessing different support services.
Taking a Break from Home Care Services
Your parent can take a break from their Home Care Package for reasons such as:
- Hospital Stays
- Transition Care (short-term recovery support after hospitalization)
- Holidays or Time with Family
Steps to Take a Break:
- Inform the Provider:
- Call the provider to let them know the dates when your parent will be away.
- Services will be temporarily suspended, and you won’t be charged for care or package management during this time.
- Discuss Fees During Leave:
- Ask about any fees that may still apply during the break. Depending on the type and length of leave, fees might be reduced.
- The details of leave and related fees are outlined in the Home Care Agreement.
After a Hospital Stay
If your parent’s needs change following a hospital stay, they might benefit from transition care. This short-term support helps older people recover and regain independence.
Learn more about transition care.
Community Support for Loneliness and Isolation
If your parent is feeling lonely or disconnected, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) can help by organizing regular visits from volunteers. This can be especially valuable for those who feel isolated from their culture or community.
Find out more about ACVVS in your area.
Final Thoughts
Your parent’s Home Care Package is meant to be flexible and responsive. By staying in close communication with their provider and utilizing support options like My Aged Care and community programs, you can ensure their care remains effective and appropriate for their needs. If you have any concerns, remember that advocacy services like the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) are available to help.
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