Home Care reform: hits and misses
1st May 2018
An opinion piece by Benetas General Manager Home Care, Jeremy McAuliffe.
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Support that comes to you
We all need a little extra care at different times in our life. Benetas can help you or your loved one be more comfortable and safe at home. Get the support you need – in the place you want to be.
Call 1300 23 63 82These are the facts about Home Care. Let us help you get started
Getting started
Knowing your options
Applying for funding
Immediate support
Short term care
Switching providers
Support for carers
Have you noticed that you or your loved one might need some more assistance at home? It’s important to have an open conversation with your family about the kinds of care that would help. Recognising the need for extra support can be a big step, both for people who need care and carers themselves. Remember, the goal of home care is to help you, your family member or your friend continue to live at home for longer.
Support can come from many places – family, friends, neighbours, community groups, churches and more. As we age, we sometimes need care providers like Benetas to complement that support.
Benetas offers a wide range of services tailored to meet your needs and goals.
You can access services for the short term or long term, through a day program or overnight. And while you can pay for them privately, you also may be eligible for government funding.
We want to help you understand all the options on the table that could let you or your loved one live at home for longer.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to find out more.
Applying for home care funding might seem complicated, but with some guidance, we can make it a little easier for you.
Download the '10 steps to Home Care funding' guide.
The first step is that you'll need to complete a referral to My Aged Care (MAC). The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) will then evaluate yours or your loved one's needs for services and funding. The assessment will then be entered into the My Aged Care system, where you’ll be approved for one of four levels of funding.
When a funding package at your level has become available, this will be assigned to you. You’ll then nominate your chosen service provider (Benetas, we hope!) and enter into a service agreement. Then the home care services can get started.
If you need support right now, we can help with that too.
Our Customer Centre advisors would love to help you navigate the government funding system, even if you don’t end up choosing us as your provider. Call us on 1300 23 63 82 for a free consultation.
The government assessment process can take time, so you might want to consider private home care as an interim measure.
As a private client, you could start receiving your care in as few as 1-4 days. Although you won’t receive a rebate, you’ll have access to all of our high quality services without the hassle of waiting lists or extra paperwork.
Good options for short term care include in-home nursing and respite services. Immediate support can also be for those who have an assigned package of care and need services immediately.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to get your services immediately.
Are you or a loved one in need of temporary care? Maybe you or they have just returned home from a hospital or rehabilitation centre, and need extra support while recovering. A short spell of assistance could involve home care services, in-home nursing or respite care.
These services are usually self-funded, but can be government subsidised in certain situations.
Benetas private home care can support you or your loved one through a period of transition – whether recovering, moving, or switching aged care providers.
Download our navigation chart to access privately funded services
Or get in touch on 1300 23 63 82 to discuss your situation and find out what’s available.
Unhappy with your current home care provider? You can move your package over to Benetas and have any unspent subsidy come with you.
Find out how the transfer process works here.
After the transfer’s complete, we can begin providing our support so you or your loved one can live at home for as long as possible.
If your current provider has an exit fee, we can show you how to avoid it. Exit fees can only be withdrawn from unspent funds – if you spend all your subsidy, you can’t be charged.
To understand how this works or learn how Benetas is different from your current provider, call us on 1300 23 63 82.
If you’re caring for an older person, it’s important to care for yourself. Benetas respite services can take care of your loved one while you take some much-needed time for yourself and catch up on the things you need to do.
Carers do incredible work, but all too often ignore their own wellbeing. That’s why we support them as well as the people they care for.
Respite options include:
- Entertaining day programs
- Overnight stay facilities
- Respite at residential facilities
- Respite care in the home (including overnight)
Find out more on our Respite page, or call us directly on 1300 23 63 82.
Getting started
Have you noticed that you or your loved one might need some more assistance at home? It’s important to have an open conversation with your family about the kinds of care that would help. Recognising the need for extra support can be a big step, both for people who need care and carers themselves. Remember, the goal of home care is to help you, your family member or your friend continue to live at home for longer.
Knowing your options
Support can come from many places – family, friends, neighbours, community groups, churches and more. As we age, we sometimes need care providers like Benetas to complement that support.
Benetas offers a wide range of services tailored to meet your needs and goals.
You can access services for the short term or long term, through a day program or overnight. And while you can pay for them privately, you also may be eligible for government funding.
We want to help you understand all the options on the table that could let you or your loved one live at home for longer.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to find out more.
Applying for funding
Applying for home care funding might seem complicated, but with some guidance, we can make it a little easier for you.
Download the '10 steps to Home Care funding' guide.
The first step is that you'll need to complete a referral to My Aged Care (MAC). The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) will then evaluate yours or your loved one's needs for services and funding. The assessment will then be entered into the My Aged Care system, where you’ll be approved for one of four levels of funding.
When a funding package at your level has become available, this will be assigned to you. You’ll then nominate your chosen service provider (Benetas, we hope!) and enter into a service agreement. Then the home care services can get started.
If you need support right now, we can help with that too.
Our Customer Centre advisors would love to help you navigate the government funding system, even if you don’t end up choosing us as your provider. Call us on 1300 23 63 82 for a free consultation.
Immediate support
The government assessment process can take time, so you might want to consider private home care as an interim measure.
As a private client, you could start receiving your care in as few as 1-4 days. Although you won’t receive a rebate, you’ll have access to all of our high quality services without the hassle of waiting lists or extra paperwork.
Good options for short term care include in-home nursing and respite services. Immediate support can also be for those who have an assigned package of care and need services immediately.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to get your services immediately.
Short term care
Are you or a loved one in need of temporary care? Maybe you or they have just returned home from a hospital or rehabilitation centre, and need extra support while recovering. A short spell of assistance could involve home care services, in-home nursing or respite care.
These services are usually self-funded, but can be government subsidised in certain situations.
Benetas private home care can support you or your loved one through a period of transition – whether recovering, moving, or switching aged care providers.
Download our navigation chart to access privately funded services
Or get in touch on 1300 23 63 82 to discuss your situation and find out what’s available.
Switching providers
Unhappy with your current home care provider? You can move your package over to Benetas and have any unspent subsidy come with you.
Find out how the transfer process works here.
After the transfer’s complete, we can begin providing our support so you or your loved one can live at home for as long as possible.
If your current provider has an exit fee, we can show you how to avoid it. Exit fees can only be withdrawn from unspent funds – if you spend all your subsidy, you can’t be charged.
To understand how this works or learn how Benetas is different from your current provider, call us on 1300 23 63 82.
Support for carers
If you’re caring for an older person, it’s important to care for yourself. Benetas respite services can take care of your loved one while you take some much-needed time for yourself and catch up on the things you need to do.
Carers do incredible work, but all too often ignore their own wellbeing. That’s why we support them as well as the people they care for.
Respite options include:
- Entertaining day programs
- Overnight stay facilities
- Respite at residential facilities
- Respite care in the home (including overnight)
Find out more on our Respite page, or call us directly on 1300 23 63 82.
Government funding is available
If you have been approved for a level of funding or have a package of funding assigned, below is a guide to the amount of home care service hours you could receive through Benetas. Use this as a guide when using our Home Care services calculator
Level
1
up to 10 hours
of funded services
that equals $680/month paid by the GovernmentLevel
2
up to 14 hours
of funded services
that equals $1236/month paid by the GovernmentLevel
3
up to 40 hours
of funded services
that equals $2718/month paid by the GovernmentLevel
4
up to 63 hours
of funded services
that equals $4133/month paid by the GovernmentCalculations are based on self managed package management and are designed to be indicative and act as an aid, and, as such are estimates and do not constitute a quote or a binding assessment.
The Benetas Difference
Why choose Benetas Home Care?
Our home care services aren’t delivered by a different stranger every week – members of our team build real friendships with their clients. That’s because we believe that the best way to care is by actually caring. Our staff are deeply experienced and constantly improving their skills.
Benetas is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 400 volunteers, so you can rest assured that all the money we make goes straight back into our services.
For 70 years, our sole focus has been to provide quality aged care to Victorians. It’s that specialist experience that makes us a leader in our field.
What people say about our Home Care service
Wish we had this support sooner
DAUGHTER OF BENETAS CLIENT
“The care my father gets is wonderful. His case manager is fantastic and very helpful. I only wish I had all this wonderful care for my mother when she was alive, but I appreciate all the care given to Dad. He is a different person. Makes my life better as I don’t worry as much.”
Grateful for the support
BENETAS CLIENT
“I feel so fortunate, they have given me confidence for the future. It is almost life changing realising so much can be done.”
Our whole family feels supported
DAUGHTER OF BENETAS CLIENT
“My mother is very happy with the services provided by Benetas and benefits greatly from their company and assistance. She receives the right amount of support that enables her to live independently. Our family could not be happier with the service provided”
Amazing assistance
BENETAS CLIENT
“I have great helpers, they couldn’t be better. I have help with shopping and housework. If I didn’t have help I would not be able to remain in my own home.”
FAQs about Home Care
How do I apply for a government Home Care Package?
As a first step, you need to call My Aged Care (MAC).
You will be asked questions over the phone to help determine your loved one’s needs and care arrangements. This takes at least 10 minutes. Please ensure your loved one is with you during this time as they will need to provide consent. You will also need to have your Medicare card number handy.
Alternatively, you can make a referral online for your loved one. Simply download our brochure to Make a referral to My Aged Care.
This is just the start of your application process. Learn more about about Navigating the home care system or contact us today on 1300 23 63 82.
What types of services are included?
Government Home Care Packages include a broad range of services. However, if you require a particular service that your package doesn’t cover, an out-of-pocket fee may apply.
Benetas can help you determine which services you need and how to make the most of your allocated package.
Benetas services include:
- Personal and home care: Includes housework (such as washing, vacuuming, and gardening), cooking, shopping, transport, companionship and more
- In-home nursing and support services: Includes personal care (such as toileting, showering and dressing), continence care, medication assistance, wound management and more
- Respite services: Includes respite at home, day programs, overnight and extended stays as well as temporary residential care
What’s NOT included in a government funded package
Government packages of any level won’t pay for:
- Household bills such as electricity, gas or water
- Cost of food, including groceries
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Gambling
- Holidays (flights, accommodation etc.)
- Cost of entertainment such as movie and event tickets
- Other items already covered by Medicare or pharmaceutical benefits
- Other programs already funded or subsidised by the Australian government
What are all the Home Care services available?
The great thing about Benetas is how easy it is to adapt our services to your loved one’s needs. With diverse domestic and clinical care services available, you’re free to choose just one or a combination of many.
We also offer all types of support including one-off, short-term or regular, ongoing care. We can also help you get the most out of your government funded package.
Home and personal care
We’re here to support your loved one – whatever that might mean for them. Some of the typical services we help with include:
- Housework: We can take care of the washing, ironing or vacuuming – or whatever else your loved one needs – giving them more time to enjoy life without the tiring chores.
- Shopping: If getting to and from the supermarket is taking its toll on your loved one, a Benetas carer can either join them or perform the entire trip for them (including carrying and unpacking).
- Cooking and diet management: Does your loved one have special dietary needs? Is cooking nutritious meals becoming too much? If so, Benetas Home Care can help plan and prepare healthy home-cooked meals.
- Transport: We understand that you can’t always be there to take your loved one to and from appointments and events. So why not let Benetas Home Care lend a hand?
- Day-to-day tasks: Tasks such as showering, dressing, grooming and toileting are basic human needs that not everyone can manage alone. Whatever your loved one requires, Benetas Home Care can help.
- Companionship: Whether it’s a simple chat, short stroll, game of cards or a cup of tea, we believe companionship is often key to an older person’s vitality.
For a full list of services, please download our list of care services.
Nursing care
If your loved one is ill, recovering from an operation or needs nursing care for any other reason, Benetas can help for as long or as little as you need.
Our qualified and compassionate nurses can:
- Manage medication, wounds and illnesses (such as diabetes)
- Administer intravenous medication
- Apply compression bandages and other dressings
- Implement anti-coagulation procedures
- Provide palliative care
Learn more about our nursing service
Respite services
At Benetas, we understand and greatly respect the role of unpaid carers – family and friends who step up to help the older people in their lives. They are often the reason their loved ones are able to stay at home for as long as they do.
However, carers need caring too. Which is why carer respite is so important.
If it’s time for a break, Benetas can step in at short notice. We can care for your loved one while you recharge – ensuring they’re well looked after when you’re not there.
Visit our respite section to know all your options.
Latest Home Care news
Dennis' Story
4th April 2018
Dennis, or “Doc” to friends and family, has been with Benetas Home Care for the past two years.
Terry's Story
4th April 2018
Terry, aged 77, lives at home in a small retirement village in Croydon. See how Benetas Home Care supports Terry to live at hom...
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