Sydney provides fantastic support for all its elderly residents. The city offers government-funded services for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including residential aged care, short-term care, and help at home. But those who do not gain these benefits can still get affordable senior care through the low-cost home care packages in Sydney from accredited service providers.
Home care packages (HCP) allow older Sydneysiders to get cost-efficient care services they can use at home. It is one of the best options if you must get several services to help with your everyday task. Here are several information about HCPs in the city and how you can get them.
How Do HCPs Work?
There are four different levels of HCP packages. You need to be eligible for a particular service level, depending on the type of support you need to live independently. All the HCP levels include a specified amount of government funding paid directly to your chosen service providers.
The package level assigned to you will depend on your needs.
Package Level Level of care needs
Level 1 Basic care needs – $9,026.45/year
Level 2 Low care needs – $15,877.50/year
Level 3 Intermediate care needs – $34,550.90/year
Level 4 High care needs – $52,377.50/year
You may need to be partly responsible for paying the cost of your HCP, depending on your financial capacity. For example, some HCP providers will require you to pay for the basic daily charges, which can be a specified percentage of the basic age pension you get. You will also need to pay an income-based care fee if you get a higher income.
You or your loved ones can allocate the funds provided in your package any way you want, so look for different service providers to get the most extensive services you deserve.
What are the Types of Services Included in HCP
All levels of home care packages in Sydney can feature a variety of services. You can ask your service provider to help design the best package depending on your needs. It includes:
- Health and Nursing Care – Regular nursing care visits from a licensed nurse in the comfort of your home. The nurse will help manage your medications, clean and dress your wound, and offer long-term care for chronic conditions.
- Personal Care – If you or your loved ones have degenerating motor skills, you can ask your service provider to help you with personal care and hygiene. The service provider can assist you in showering, personal grooming, and other primary care like meal preparation and eating.
- Home Maintenance – Conducive home environment is necessary to make you feel comfortable and safe for the rest of your life. Your service provider can help you do basic chores and home maintenance, including cleaning and gardening.
- Social Care – HCPs can also provide funding for services to keep you active and connected with your community in Sydney. If you cannot drive, your HCP will also pay for your transportation, especially for necessary trips to the doctors.
How to Qualify for HCP?
You should be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The result of the assessment will determine your HCP level.
You need to keep in touch with My Aged Care through their website or call them at 1800 200 422. The staff will assist you to go through the necessary assessment process.
Getting HCP in Sydney does not have to be complicated. If you qualify for these services, you can start looking for the best service provider in the city to provide you with the right kind of services you need for a comfortable life as an elderly in Sydney.
