I’m helping my parent with their transition care services after a hospital stay. What if their needs change, they need to take a break, or they have a complaint? How do we manage this?
It’s wonderful that you’re supporting your parent during their transition care. This program is designed to provide short-term therapeutic care, helping older adults recover after a hospital stay. Here’s a guide on how to manage their transition care effectively, including changes, breaks, and handling concerns.
Your Service Provider’s Responsibilities
Your parent’s transition care provider must:
- Respect Their Rights:
- Transition care respects the rights outlined in the Charter of Aged Care Rights. This applies whether care is provided at home, in the community, or in a residential setting.
- Provide Quality Services:
- Services must meet the Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring safe, respectful, and reliable care.
- Learn more about the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Managing Transition Care Changes
1. If There Are No Immediate Vacancies
- Transition care approvals last for 28 days. If there are no vacancies initially, your parent can still access care if a spot becomes available within this timeframe.
- If no place is available after 28 days, a reassessment will be required.
2. Taking a Break from Transition Care
- Your parent can take up to seven break days during transition care for social reasons or a hospital stay. These days can be taken consecutively or spread out.
- Important notes:
- Break days count as care days and won’t extend the care period.
- Fees will still apply for break days.
- If more than seven break days are used, transition care will end, and reassessment will be necessary to resume care.
3. If Their Care Needs Extend
- In exceptional circumstances, transition care can be extended by six weeks if more therapeutic care is needed.
- Your provider will assist with the paperwork required for an extension.
4. Stopping Transition Care Early
- Your parent can end transition care at any time. The care agreement will explain how this can be done.
- If they leave the program early, the care plan will include strategies to help achieve their goals outside of transition care.
- Note: They cannot start another government-funded care program (such as residential care or a Home Care Package) on the same day they end transition care.
5. Returning to Hospital During Transition Care
- If your parent needs to return to hospital:
- Use the seven break days to hold their place in the program.
- If their hospital stay exceeds the available break days, transition care will end.
- To restart transition care, they will need a reassessment and a new vacancy.
Changing Providers
Your parent can change transition care providers as long as there is no break in care (i.e., no gap between providers).
- Same State/Territory: The existing recipient agreement remains valid.
- Interstate: A new agreement will be provided.
Handling Complaints and Concerns
If your parent has concerns or is unhappy with their care:
- Speak to the Provider First:
- Providers are there to listen and resolve issues.
- Other Options:
- If the issue isn’t resolved, or you’re uncomfortable raising it with the provider, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for assistance.
- Advocacy services such as the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provide free support.
Learn more about how to raise a complaint.
Final Thoughts
Managing transition care can feel complex, but your parent’s provider, My Aged Care, and advocacy services are there to help. Stay informed, communicate openly with providers, and know your options for adjustments and support. This ensures your parent gets the best care possible during their recovery journey.
