My Aged Care: Your passport to Government-funded Home Care
18th September 2019
Plan ahead so you can access support services when you need them most.
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Support that comes to you
Benetas can support you to stay independent and continue doing what makes you, you; all from the familiar surrounds of your own home. We offer an extensive range of home care services and funding options to suit your individual circumstances.
Call 1300 23 63 82Let us help you get started
Getting Started
Knowing Your Options
Applying for a Home Care Package
Private Services
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 or your loved one stay independent and continue doing what makes you, you; all from the familiar surrounds of your own home.
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 an extensive range of services tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
You can access Home Care services for the short term or long term, through a day program or overnight.
Options for funding your home care services include:
- Paying for the services out of your own pocket
- Applying for Government funding via a Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Veterans' Home Care 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 a Home Care Package might seem complicated, but with some guidance, we can make it a little easier for you.
You'll first need to complete a referral to My Aged Care. The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) will then evaluate yours or your loved one's needs for funded support at home. 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 Home Care 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 you can begin to receive extra support at home.
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.
For more information:
- Download the infographic 'How to Get a Home Care Package' or
- Read the article '7 steps to secure your home care package.'
The government assessment process can take time, so if you need services immediately or don't want to wait, you could consider privately funding your home care as an interim measure.
In fact, if you choose to privately fund your services, we’re often able to start providing home care within 3-5 business 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.
You can also top up your package or government funding with additional privately funded services if you wish. Other options for short term care include in-home nursing and respite services.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to get your services set up or read more about private services here.
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 stay independent at home.
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 or your loved one stay independent and continue doing what makes you, you; all from the familiar surrounds of your own home.
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 an extensive range of services tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
You can access Home Care services for the short term or long term, through a day program or overnight.
Options for funding your home care services include:
- Paying for the services out of your own pocket
- Applying for Government funding via a Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Veterans' Home Care 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 a Home Care Package
Applying for a Home Care Package might seem complicated, but with some guidance, we can make it a little easier for you.
You'll first need to complete a referral to My Aged Care. The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) will then evaluate yours or your loved one's needs for funded support at home. 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 Home Care 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 you can begin to receive extra support at home.
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.
For more information:
- Download the infographic 'How to Get a Home Care Package' or
- Read the article '7 steps to secure your home care package.'
Private Services
The government assessment process can take time, so if you need services immediately or don't want to wait, you could consider privately funding your home care as an interim measure.
In fact, if you choose to privately fund your services, we’re often able to start providing home care within 3-5 business 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.
You can also top up your package or government funding with additional privately funded services if you wish. Other options for short term care include in-home nursing and respite services.
Call us on 1300 23 63 82 to get your services set up or read more about private services here.
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 stay independent at home.
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.
We are your 'one stop shop' for home care services
View services and pricingThe Benetas Difference
Why choose Benetas Home Care?
We’re a leading not-for-profit aged care provider with over 70 years’ experience in aged care. Our specialist experience gives you the comfort of knowing that we will be there well into the future.
We never lose sight of what matters most, you. We help you stay independent and continue doing what makes you, you; all from the familiar surrounds of your own home.
Our Care Teams
We are all here for you
As Benetas client, you'll have a dedicated group of Benetas staff delivering a high quality standard of care, providing comfort and peace of mind when welcoming them into your home.
Our experienced team provide face-to-face advice and support; and you’ll always have someone to talk to along the way. We work to ensure you have a truly positive and personalised experience.
Helpful Resources
Is private home care the right choice for you?
10th September 2019
Privately funding your home care can be a great option in many situations. Discover these situations and the perks within.
What is Care and Package Management?
22nd August 2019
Care Management and Package Management are two services that come part and parcel with a Benetas Home Care Package. Discover mo...
Are you a Department of Veterans' Affairs card holder?
You could be eligible for Veterans' Home Care with Benetas
Learn moreWhat 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?
The first step is to call My Aged Care.
You will be asked some questions over the phone to help determine you or your loved one’s needs and care arrangements. This may take around 10 minutes. We recommend having 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.
Read our article '3 Steps to begin your My Aged Care journey' for more information.
The next phase in the application process will be a face-to-face assessment. Read more about this assessment here.
If you have any more questions, we welcome you to contact us today on 1300 23 63 82.
What home care services do Benetas offer?
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 Home Care Package.
Just some of the many services you can access through Benetas include:
- Household Tasks & Cleaning
- Gardening & Home Maintenance
- Pet Care
- Equipment & Home modifications
- Showering, dressing and toileting
- Grocery Shopping
- Cooking & Meal Preparation
- Social outings
- Companionship
- Transport
- In-home nursing
- Medication assistance
- In-home respite
- Social Day programs
- Cottage day or overnight respite
- Allied health services
- Care management
Discover more about these services here.
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.
What types of services are included in a Home Care Package?
Government Home Care Packages include a broad range of services to help you to stay comfortable and independent at home.
We can help you determine which services you need and how to make the most of your allocated package. Contact us today on 1300 23 63 82 to set up a face-to-face consultation.
According to My Aged Care, depending on the level of Home Care Package you are offered, you can get assistance with services such as:
- Personal care
- Nursing
- Allied health and therapy services
- Specialised support
- Meal preparation and diet management
- Domestic assistance
- Home maintenance
- Home modifications
- Goods, equipment and assistive technology
- Transport
- Social support
What’s NOT included in a government funded package
Government-funded Home Care Packages 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's the difference between Home Care Package levels?
Everyone has a unique level of need, so four Home Care Package levels exist with different Government funding amounts based on the level of need.
Level 1: Covers basic care needs.
You will receive approximately $8750 a year to spend on home care services through a provider of your choice.
Level 2: Covers low care needs.
You will receive approximately $15,250 a year to spend on home care services through a provider of your choice.
Level 3: Covers intermediate care needs.
You will receive approximately $33,500 a year to spend on home care services through a provider of your choice.
Level 4: Covers high care needs.
You will receive approximately $50,750 a year to spend on home care services through a provider of your choice.
Calculate how you could use that funding with Benetas here.
View approximately how many hours of services you may receive with Benetas for each Home Care Package level here.
Does Benetas provide Veterans' Home Care for DVA clients?
Yes, Benetas is a DVA Veteran's Home Care provider in the shires of Hume, Loddon, Grampians and Gippsland. If you live in one of these areas and are a Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) client eligible for Veterans' Home Care, you are able to choose Benetas as your preferred provider. For more information please call our friendly customer centre team on 1300 23 63 82.
What is Veterans’ Home Care?
The Veterans' Home Care (VHC) program is a DVA program that provides a range of home care services designed to maintain the health, wellbeing and independence of eligible veterans and/or war widows and widowers. Services include Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Respite Care, and safety-related Home and Garden Maintenance.
How do I apply?
To apply for VHC, ring your VHC Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450. Other people can also refer you to the VHC Assessment Agency with your consent, such as family members, carers, friends, General Practitioners and hospital discharge planners.
Following the referral, you'll need to undertake an assessment by a VHC assessor. The VHC assessor will discuss your circumstances with you to identify the range of services you may need.
For more information see the Department of Veteran Affairs - VHC fact sheet.
We're here to help in any way, give us a call for some free advice