My Aged Care is the Australian government’s program for providing assistance to seniors.
It provides a wide range of services, including home care, respite care, and residential aged care facilities.
In this blog post, we will discuss what is My Aged Care, what services are available, who can access My Aged Care services, how to apply for My Aged Care services, and how much they cost.
We will also provide a few tips on how to choose the right aged care service for your needs!
What Is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is a government-funded program that provides services to seniors.
It helps them stay healthy and independent in their own homes, or in an aged care home.
My Aged Care also provides respite care, which is temporary care that gives caregivers a break.
What Services Does My Aged Care Provide?
My Aged Care provides a wide range of services, including home care, short-term care, and aged care homes.
Home care services provide help to old people to stay at home independently and safely by assisting them with things like housework, cooking, nursing support, social support, and personal care.
Short-term care can give carers/family members a break from caring for a loved one or provides help after a hospital stay.
Aged care homes provide 24-hour support and care in a safe and comfortable environment.
Who Can Access My Aged Care Services?
Anyone who is 65 years or older can access My Aged Care services or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
If you are not yet 65, you can still access the program:
- If you have a disability or health condition that requires support.
- If you are on a low income, homeless or at risk of being homeless, and aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
How to apply My Aged Care Services?
Register My Aged Care
Before you can access government-funded aged care services for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment. You can either
- Call My Aged Care contact centre to register on 1800 200 422.
OR
- Apply online at the My Aged Care website.
Get Assessed
You will be referred for an assessment if your application is accepted.
Get Approved For Different Types Of Government-Funded Aged Care Services.
Depending on the type of assessment you’ve had, you will get the result of your assessment decision at different times.
- If you’re being assessed for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme from a Regional Assessment Service (RAS), you will find out if you are eligible at the time of your assessment.
- If you’re being assessed for a Home Care Package, a short-term care option, and/or subsidised aged care homes from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), your assessor will take some time to review the information and make a decision. You will find out by letter.
Get Started on Your Government-Funded Services.
No waiting period. You can start the Commonwealth Home Support Programme/Short-term care programs/Residential care straight away if your provider can provide services.
3-6 Months waiting period for Home Care Packages, depending on your medical condition and carer arrangement.
Tips for Choosing an Aged Care Service provider.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an aged care service provider.
- Consider your needs and budget.
- Think about the location of the service. Aged Care service providers are available all across Australia, so you can choose one that’s close to home.
- Make sure to read the reviews of Aged Care service providers before choosing one. This will help you get an idea of what others have thought about the quality of care they’ve received.
How Much Does it Cost?
The My Aged Care program is free to access. However, there may be some costs associated with the services you receive.
For more information on the costs of My Aged Care services, please visit the My Aged Care website.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! I hope this information has been helpful in understanding My Aged Care services in Australia. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact My Aged Care directly.
If you would like to discuss more with me, please leave your email address I’ll respond as soon as I can.
