Looking for available services for retirees and seniors or, for those under 65 years, Community Care basic support, NDIS supports, Disability Gateway... also information on Queensland's National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS).
Click on: I’ve been assessed for a Home Care Package
There are a number of costs associated with a Home Care Package. How much, and the types of costs you will have to pay depend on the home care provider you choose and your income assessment.
The costs you pay will be available to you in a budget that is used to pay for the services you need. Your budget also depends on your level of care, and includes contributions from the government.
The total amount of a Home Care Package budget is made up of:
Together, these funds are used to cover the cost of your care and services based on your care plan.
Different Home Care Package providers charge different amounts for their services, so to get the most out of your budget, it’s worth comparing what’s on offer. You can use the Find a provider tool to compare provider costs.
The things you should look at include the cost of:
What you can do now:
What if I can't afford it? If you’re worried that you may not be able to afford your home care, residential respite care or permanent residential care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care costs.
If you are receiving care through another aged care program, please speak to your provider.
Learn more about financial hardship assistance.
Can I seek financial advice? Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended that you seek independent financial advice before deciding how to pay for your aged care.
Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free service available to everyone. FIS officers can show you how to make informed financial decisions and help you to understand the financial implications of your aged care costs. They can also help you understand how different payment methods for residential care may affect your pension and aged care costs if you ever need to move into an aged care home.
To find out more about FIS, or to make an appointment, call 132 300 and say “Financial Information Service” when asked why you are calling.
For more information and guidance on financial matters, you can also visit our financial support and advice page.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
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Home Care Packages
The cost for Home Care Packages can be broken down into two types of fees - the basic daily fee and the income-tested care fee.
The basic daily fee is a set percentage of the single basic Age Pension and will vary depending on the level of your HCP. While a provider may ask you to pay a basic daily fee, not all providers do.
If you are paying a basic daily fee, this amount will be added on top of the Government subsidy, increasing the total funds available in your package budget. So if the provider you choose doesn't charge you this fee, you may not have as much package funding available for care.
With the income tested care fee, it is an extra contribution that you may need to pay. However, this is entirely dependent on your income assessment and can differ from person to person. You will not need to pay an income tested care fee if you have income under a certain amount.
If you want extra care or services from your provider that aren't covered in your package, you can agree to additional service fees, however, this is not subsidised by the Government as it is a direct agreement with your provider.
These home care fees will likely be paid by you on a fortnightly or monthly basis.
You are able to negotiate with providers on home care fees and agree to the rate you will be charged for services. This should be outlined in your care plan.
The funding for your package can only be claimed from the Government on your behalf by an approved Home Care Package provider and they need to provide you with regular statements outlining how the money is being used.
Private providers can also deliver home care services however these are not subsidised by the Government and you will have to pay for all services out of your own pocket.
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I’ve been assessed for short-term care: If you are eligible for short-term care, you don’t have to complete a means assessment. You may have to pay a daily fee, but how much you may pay varies depending on the type and level of short-term care you will receive.
There are a few things to keep in mind for each type of short-term care:
Short-term restorative care: You may have to pay a daily fee—whether you receive care at home, in the community, or in an aged care home.
Transition care Providers can request information regarding your ability to make a contribution (within reason). However, your access to transition care will not be affected by your ability to pay fees.
Respite care:
Residential respite When you receive residential respite care in an aged care home, you won’t have accommodation payments or a means-tested care fee. However, you will be asked to pay a basic daily fee and sometimes a booking fee.
The level of care you have been approved for will:
What you pay for residential respite care is discussed and agreed upon between you and the provider, and is set before you receive the services.
Community respite If you’re eligible for community respite, it will be provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), so the fees you pay fall under the CHSP guidelines. This is usually a daily fee.
Emergency respite: If you need emergency respite care, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Further information on emergency respite is available on the Carer Gateway website.
Learn more
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What will aged care look like in five years?
It has been a tumultuous 18 months in aged care with COVID-19 providing a stark look into the sector's areas of failure and where the system falls short.
Posted 4 days ago August 2021 by Liz Alderslade
The Government's five year plan:
The Government's plan for aged care, unveiled at the same time as the May Federal Budget, consisted of five different pillars -
This plan scopes out the different reforms and strategies for each pillar and when they will be rolled out each year.
For instance, the Government has released 40,000 extra home care packages, a new supplement for nutrition of $10 per resident per day, up to 120,000 additional General Practitioner services through the Aged Care Access Incentive, up to 6,000 new personal care workers in workplaces, and has started to establish a Council of Elders. These are just a few of the reforms the Government has intended to implement by the end of the year.
The Government believes that once they reach the end of the Five Pillar, Five Year plan, they will have successfully made a "once in a generation reform" of the aged care sector.
You can see the full plan on the Government Health website.
Myths about in home care
Home care is a growing area of the aged care sector but often older Australians and their families are unaware of the many different options available to them or are hesitant because of the assumptions they have about what is involved.
Key points:
Receiving help at home can give you more time or provide extra assistance to do the things you love. [Source: Shutterstock]. For many older people, home care can be the difference between staying at home or moving into an aged care. Understanding how home care works and dispelling any misconceptions around home care can make the transition to accepting home care all the more easier for people looking at it as an option.
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Allied health to assist with the ageing experience
Last Updated at October 25th 2021
There are many allied health services that work within the aged care sector which are vital to improving or maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people receiving aged care services or in the community.
INFO - There are many allied health services that work within the aged care sector which are vital to improving or maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people receiving aged care services or in the community.
Read the article here
How the Home Care package programme operates:
Unspent home care funds now at $1.2b
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/home-care-packages-program-operational-manual-a-guide-for-home-care-providers.pdf
by Judy Skatssoon January 27, 2021
Do scroll down and read the comments. MOST informative. Will give you thoughts for how YOU can spend your Home Care package.
How much can home care cost?
The Australian Government subsidises the delivery of home care services and packages. However, if you can afford to, you are expected to contribute to the cost of your care.
Extra supplements available under Home Care Packages
Ageing in your own home is your right and the Government provides additional financial support to assist with that goal. Especially if you have special care needs that may require additional funding to manage it.
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New aged care regulation: Why falls and medication management must be reported from July 1
From July 1, 2021, aged care providers will be required to report on falls and medication management for the first time as part of the government’s compulsory quality indicator reporting, adding to reporting on pressure injuries, use of physical restraint and unplanned weight loss, which have been mandatory since 2019.
The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program) was introduced in 2019 to help aged care providers measure, monitor, compare and improve the quality of their services. Collecting the data means providers can identify trends in their services over time and compare themselves against national averages. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website states that giving providers this ability “will lead to an even better quality of care and quality of life for consumers”.
Meals and shopping assistance
During your older years, good food and nutrition is really important, which is why extra assistance to make sure you can get the nutrients you need for your body can make all the difference.
Key points:
There are many websites available that provide resources to assist with making meals and provide information on nutrition. [Source: Shutterstock]If you are facing barriers that prevent you from getting to the shops, struggling to carry shopping bags, or having difficulty preparing and cooking your own meals there is assistance available to help with these daily tasks.
Support programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), a Government-funded Home Care Package (HCP), or help from private providers can ensure you are able to access essential resources.1 January 2022
What assistance can I receive?
Meal and shopping services could provide:
Even some 'retail therapy' can be accommodated through these assistive services. For example, a support worker can be with you when you visit a department store to shop for clothing or any gifts you need. Or they can assist you at the post office when you are paying your bills.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
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Choosing between home care or aged care
INFO - At some point, you and your family will need to discuss what is the best option for your ongoing care. The two choices you are likely to discuss is whether home care or aged care is the best decision for you.
When should I consider help at home?
How to have “the home care talk” with your parents
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Oct 25, 2021 NEWS
Plea to home care providers: “Stop the rorting and introduce pricing caps”
A Private Members’ Bill that will cap the amount of money age care providers will be allowed to charge for “administration” to deliver care in the home to older Australians is being introduced today by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.
The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
“The vast majority of survey respondents, some 94%, said they were unable to afford daily care, which I find staggering,” Rebekha said.
“Many of those surveyed reported paying administration and management fees of up to 48 or 50%, including on packages that are very minimal.
“Some of these people were only able to afford one hour of cleaning or gardening a fortnight, and their care plans have hardly changed from one year to another, but they were still being charged up to 50% in administration fees.
Many of those surveyed reported paying administration and management fees of up to 48 or 50%, including on packages that are very minimal.
“Some of these people were only able to afford one hour of cleaning or gardening a fortnight, and their care plans have hardly changed from one year to another, but they were still being charged up to 50% in administration fees. The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
“My Bill will cap fees and it will make more funding available for actual care in the home.” The Bill will also ban exit fees to change home care providers, and it will require home care providers to offer potential clients a comparative fee schedule for at least five approved providers in their area.
If there are fewer than five providers in the region, the schedule must show fees for all approved providers in the area.
NAVIGATING AGED CARE AND DISABILITY SUPPORT DURING COVID-19
ADA Australia advocates have been supporting people to navigate and resolve issues with their aged care and disability supports, which have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here they share their collective knowledge about the measures currently in place to help older people and people with disability to manage their support arrangements during this time.
Here are the key things you should know.
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
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Staying at home for longer
Your home environment should always make you feel safe and comfortable, and having a place that you enjoy living can be really important to your mental wellbeing.
Sometimes all you need to do to stay safely at home are these basic changes:
BASIC CHANGES TO YOUR HOME
Click on each area to view the room illustration: Living room, Bedroom, Kitchen, Dining room, Bathroom, Laundry...
You want your loved one to feel at Home. To feel safe and comfortable in their own home, even though sometimes they might not remember where things are or how to do things eg. Finding the toilet bowl...
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https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/what-do-i-need-to-prepare-for-my-age-pension-application
1300 186 688
There are a lot of financial and personal documents you need to have ready for your Age Pension application. [Source: Shutterstock]You will need to provide information about yourself and your personal situation as well as a lot of financial documentation, like tax returns and bank, superannuation and investment statements.
Once you have all the documents filled out and signed and collate together all your personal documentation, you can then begin the application process.
What you need before startingYou will need to have a myGov account and Centrelink online account before you apply for the Age Pension. Your Centrelink account needs to be linked to your myGov account to get this process started. This is similar to how your Australian Taxation Office (ATO) account is linked to your myGov account.
If you don't have internet access or computer, there is information below on how you can apply for the Age Pension.
Before you start your claim, you will need to confirm your identity with Centrelink. This could be with a passport or photo ID in person or provide one document across three different categories over the phone.
These documents can be talked through over the phone or supplied online, however, if Centrelink can't validate it, you will need to go in person.
You will also need to fill out your Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form (SA002) and Income and Assets form (SA369), and upload or post it to Centrelink, or you can fill it out online.
It's best to have all the required documentation ready before you sit down to fill out these forms.
If you are wanting to make a joint Age Pension claim with your partner, they also need to have all of their financial and personal information prepared as well.
Council services for elderly residents
Your local Council provides a range of services besides their local Government duties, including services that benefit older people in their communities.
Key points:
Your local Council may provide a range of extra services that can help you with day to day life. [Source: Shutterstock]Depending on your local Council, they can provide a range of services and supports that assist you in living independently, actively and socially within your community.
Certain Councils may be approved to deliver Government funded programs, like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Package (HCP) services. While other Councils provide a variety of support services, activities and events to keep their local senior citizens engaged in the community they love.
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Options while waiting for a Home Care Package
So you have been accepted for a Home Care Package (HCP) and have been advised you are on the waiting list?
What next?
Key points:
There are a number of options you can consider to access care while you are waiting for your package to become available. [Source: Shutterstock] Any available HCPs are held in a national 'pool'. Once approved for a package you will be placed in a queue based on priority, personal needs and how long you've been waiting for care, and you will be allocated supports once you get to the front of this queue.
With a lot of demand for HCP unfortunately this means it may take some time before you can begin accessing the benefits of your HCP.
The expected wait time for a HCP is nine to 12 months for a level 2, 3 or 4 HCP (May 2021) with nearly 97,000 people waiting for their turn (December 2020).
The Government recently invested in more HCPs in the 2021/22 Budget - 40,000 will be released in 2021-22 and another 40,000 HCPs will be released in 2022-23 - bringing the available HCPs up to 275,598 by June 2023.
While this will assist in reducing the wait time for a HCP, it will still take two years to fully roll out.
There are a number of options to consider to access care while you are waiting for your package to become available.
Temporary access to the CHSP
You can discuss with your assessor whether there is the option to access assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to have some temporary services put in place while you wait for your HCP.
Getting access to CHSP is a much quicker process than a HCP.
The assessor will determine if this option is the best for you, as the CHSP only provides entry level home care assistance. You will need to pay towards some of the services, but the Government will subsidise most of the help you receive.
You can receive low level services for garden and home maintenance assistance, cleaning around the home and food preparation, basic personal care and nursing services, and much more.
The government has released a new data table
Revealing the median cost of common home care services across Australia, which it hopes will act as a carrot to improve service offerings and a stick against unjustified charges.
Richard Colbeck 18 May 2021
Older Australians and their families will also be able to get an idea of standard pricing to help them make decisions about whether a provider’s prices are fair, says aged care services minister Richard Colbeck.
The table shows median prices for -
Face-to-face aged care navigation support to be rolled out following successful trial:
NEWS - The Federal Government will be making face-to-face support available for older Australians that need help navigating the aged care system in the future following a positive trial report.
Read the article here
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Home care providers do need to be aware of this
upcoming change on 1 February 2021 and 1 September 2021
Improved Payment Arrangements for Home Care
07 October 2020
The changes to how we pay home care subsidies and supplements to providers will occur in 2 phases. Instead of paying the total in advance, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will hold unspent funds for care recipients. This is in line with other Government-funded programs.
What will change?
The way the Australian Government pays Home Care Packages Program subsidies and supplements to providers will change.
Instead of paying the full subsidy and supplements in advance each month, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will make changes in 2 phases. This will not affect care recipients' subsidy entitlements.
Phase 1 – 1 February 2021
In phase 1, we will pay home care subsidies in arrears each month. This is planned to begin on 1 February 2021.
We will continue to pay the full amount, regardless of the services provided in the past month. Providers will continue to hold unspent funds on behalf of their care recipients. There will be no change to how they manage unspent funds. *
* Unspent funds are the total amount of subsidy and fees you have received on behalf of a person that have not been spent.
Phase 2 – 1 September 2021
In phase 2, subject to legislation passing, the payments will be for actual services provided. The Australian Government will hold any unspent Commonwealth funds. These funds will continue to be available to care recipients when needed.
This is planned to begin on 1 September 2021.
Why are these changes important?
These changes align home care with other Government-funded programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as well as modern business practices.
These changes will move the responsibility for holding care recipients’ Australian Government paid portion of unspent funds from the provider to the Australian Government.
This will reduce the prudential risk in home care over time, and improve protections for care recipients’ home care funds as the program grows. These changes are better suited to the service delivery, consumer-directed care nature Home Care Packages Program.
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Now is the time to prepare for the 3G shutdown
by Advertiser June 10, 2021
With the coverage and capacity of 3G networks being increasingly impacted leading up to the 3G network shutdown in 2024, providers should be planning an upgrade of their systems now, writes David Waldie.
David Waldie As a care technology provider to over 7000 Australians across the country, we’re aware of the large number of providers using assistive technologies such as medical alarms based on 3G cellular networks. Telstra had been running its 3G services in the 850MHz and 2100MHz radio frequency spectrum bands, but shut down its 2100MHz services early in 2019 to provide more capacity for its 4GX network. Telstra’s 850MHz 3G services will be shut down mid 2024 to free up the radiofrequency spectrum that the carrier will use to support next-generation 5G services.
In a similar vein, Optus is planning to reallocate its 2100 MHz spectrum currently used for 3G services to its 4G and 5G networks in April next year. Optus will no longer offer a dual-band 3G network after April 2022, with 3G services to be offered through its 900 MHz spectrum only.
The industry body Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) represents monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored medical alarms and Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) throughout Australia. PERSL members have been reporting issues with the coverage of the existing 3G mobile wireless network and that 3G services appear to be degrading across Australia.
Members have experienced pockets of congestion across various parts of the nation, especially during the peak of COVID-19 last year. During periods of 3G network congestion a PERS alarm call to a monitoring centre may not be successful and, although the medical alarm will retry many times, there may be long delays in a user receiving assistance.This clearly has the potential for serious outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
Across Australia, the impacts of congestion on the 3G network are being experienced in Retirement Villages, Aged Care facilities and users in their own homes utilising 3G cellular services, including alarms upgraded from telephone lines to 3G as part of the NBN coordinated Medical Alarms Subsidy Scheme (MASS).
Medical alarms which rely on the 3G network should particularly be used with care, as advised by PERSL. 3G medical alarms should be upgraded to 4G or replaced as soon as possible, well in advance of the 3G shut-down.
Unfortunately there are a number of 3G alarm devices in the market that do not alert the users to issues with their connectivity. Providers run the risk of not being aware of an issue until it’s too late. Some key indicators of possible network congestion include:
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Government in danger of history repeating with Medicare rebate changes:
By HelloCare Editorial Team
Just weeks before the biggest changes to Medicare in decades, the Federal Government and the private health sector are grappling with the huge number of changes that have only just been released, leading to the potential for chaos for patients.
More than 900 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for rebates for private surgery are set to change on 1 July as part of the MBS Review of all 5,700 Medicare rebates.
The latest changes will affect rebates for orthopaedic surgery, general surgery and heart surgery.
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June 10, 2021 NEWSHEALTH & CARe
Exclusive: $112 million boost to home support services for senior Australians
The Morrison Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to:
“Support for aged care providers to deliver additional CHSP services to senior Australians will help address key demand pressures.”
Home care funding reform in 2021
Major reforms to home care funding, which will see the move to a payment in arrears and invoicing system, will be implemented from next year (begins 2021).
Under the reforms, providers will be paid after services have been delivered, rather than being given a lump sum in advance, which has been blamed as a factor in the accumulation of more than $1.1 billion in unspent funds.
Community Care Review understands that in an email to providers on Wednesday the health department said the first phase of the new new system will be implemented from February 1, with the second phase, where providers will need to invoice for services provided, to kick in from September.
Aged care economists say the change is welcome and believe the measure will help put a lid on unspent funds. “This should have a direct consequence on the growing level of unspent funds which, in effect, is underutilised funding that could be allocated for further additional packages,” consultants StewartBrown said in an analysis of this week’s federal budget. However the analysis says while the budget commitment to provide 23,000 new home care packages over the next four years is welcome, it won’t address the problem of unspent funds, which currently average $8,000 per client.
When should I consider help at home?
Many older people brush aside home care assistance until a crisis hits, and they're left with no other choice, often leaving the family to make arrangements in an emergency.
Look for the signs
Requiring home support can happen quite gradually, so you need to keep an eye out for daily tasks you may be struggling with or signs that your older loved one may need an extra hand around the home.
Subtle changes can include:
Causes of last minute home care
The above signs should be an encouragement to start looking for support at home options. However, some people may put off home care, leading to more serious reasons for needing home care later on.
You shouldn't wait for a big event to trigger the sudden need for assistance in the home if you can help it.
Some immediate signs that can lead to urgent home care could be:
Getting in home support can be the best way to assist your daily life, or the life of an older loved one, and continue your current lifestyle in your own home.
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
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Choosing Wisely: What makes a good conversation with a health professional?
1 month ago
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Most Australians want to grow old and receive care in their own homes, research conducted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety shows.
A survey of more than 10,000 Australians reveals that 80 per cent of older people want to remain in their current home and 62 per cent want to receive care services in their own home.
To ensure you or a senior you know can go about their day safely in the home, do a safety audit to check for things such as loose railings, unsteady furniture, trip hazards like rugs and grab rails in the bathroom.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/taking-care-of-yourself-at-home-with-covid-19-restrictions-easing
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NEW: Disability Gateway
The Federal Government has funded the Disability Gateway as the national disability information service. Started 27th January 2021, we suggest you access the Disability Gateway, available on 1800 643 787 or at https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
Welcome to the Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. Watch welcome video
Disability e-news The Department of Social Services provides a regular newsletter with information for people with disability and carer sectors. Read the latest edition of the Disability e-news
https://mailchi.mp/22a9474261e1/disability-enews-informing-the-disability-employment-and-advocacy-sectors-4600431
19 January 2021
Late in 2020, we shared information about the improvements we are making to the NDIS.
You can see the commitments we have made to improve the NDIS in our Service Charter and Participant Improvement Plan, and you can track our progress against them on Participant Service Improvement Plan page.
We want to make sure you get the most up to date information about the improvements as they happen. The best way to do this is by signing up to the NDIS eNewsletter, which comes out each fortnight.
The NDIS eNewsletter is full of the latest news, participant stories and I address some of the common questions and misconceptions I hear about with what is happening with the NDIS.
Sign up for the NDIS eNewsletter today.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. In January 2021 the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started in January 2021 and include a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
What is the Disability Gateway?
The Disability Gateway will:
Who is the Disability Gateway for?
The Disability Gateway is for all people with disability, their families and carers.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. This month the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started January 2021 and includes a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
Help us test the Gateway: We are looking for feedback to improve and enhance the Disability Gateway pilot website—we encourage you to log on and explore the site. Feedback buttons are located at the top and bottom right hand sides at Disability Gateway.
You can directly provide your feedback to the Disability Gateway Team at [email protected]
More information
For more information go to Disability Gateway or view our stakeholder kit.
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There are changes being made to ensure the NDIS is simpler, faster, fairer and more flexible. You can have your say on how we deliver these improvements so that they work for everyone. Your feedback is important to us.
Have YOUR say:- https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/have-your-say
12 January 2021
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Plan management is when a provider supports you to manage funding in your NDIS plan. These providers are known as plan managers.
Plan management is different from having the NDIA manage funding in your NDIS plan, or you choosing to self-manage your plan. More information on ways to manage your funding.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding/plan-management
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqQSavgqeq8
NDIS Price Guide is updated regularly by the NDIA. To find the most recent version:- http://ndis.gov.au/priceguidesandpricing
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Functions of the former Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors have been transferred to new departments.
https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniors
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There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
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Accessing CHSP Funding For Personal Monitoring Technology
https://lifetec.org.au/accessing-chsp-funding-for-personal-monitoring-technology/
Home Care Package care recipients will also be able to use their packages to access personal monitoring services to keep them safe at home.
A range of technology options are available in the private market, and the Department does not recommend any particular brand or device. CHSP service providers will need to source the monitoring equipment themselves with a view to accessing equipment that best meets the needs of the client. The Department of Health notes that in Australia the relevant Standard for personal monitoring technology is AS 4607 (personal response systems). This Standard specifies the minimum performance, design and operation requirements for telecommunications based personal response systems.
To help Home Care Package recipients stay connected with loved ones and their community, Package funds can also be used to:
Financing a future aged care system
Published 24 June 2020
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the Commission) said from the beginning that they wanted to hear from people directly affected by the work of the Commission, and particularly the consumers of aged care services and their families and carers. COTA has been putting your views to the Commission, by giving evidence at the hearings, being involved in the workshops, and making submissions.
In proposing a complete shakeup of the aged care sector, the Royal Commission has also contemplated how services should be paid for. These options are discussed in their paper, Financing Aged Care. The Commissioners say aged care expenditure will need to increase by between 50% and 100%. So, this brings us to the question of “Who pays?”
Who pays for aged care?
At the moment, aged care is paid for through a mix of pay-as-you-go public funding, sourced through the general taxation system, private contributions in the form of means tested fees and co-payments for certain services, and public and private capital financing.
Australian public and private contributions to aged care have been estimated at about $27 billion in 2018–19.4 This is not all that is spent on the care of older people. In 2015–16, Australia spent around $41.7 billion on the health care needs of older Australians, aged 65 years or over, and $46.4 billion on direct cash welfare payments, including the Age Pension, on top of the $23.0 billion it spent directly on aged care. Welfare related tax concessions worth $40.1 billion were also provided for older Australians.
Currently, the government provides around 75% of funding and consumers provide the remainder. In Australia, aged care spending in Australia is much lower compared to countries with comparable populations. It’s about 1% of GDP.
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Not enough financial transparency: report on aged care provider funds
By: Dallas Bastian in News, Top Stories September 10, 2020
There is insufficient transparency about the use of funds in aged care, says a report on providers’ financial information.
It found large differences in the way in which individual aged care providers structure their operations and the costs they incur such as interest, management fees and rent.
In a statement, the Royal Commissioners into Aged Care Quality and Safety said these expense items can range from 0 per cent to 100 per cent of total expenses for different individual aged care providers.
Download: Research Paper 12 – Report on the profitability and viability of the Australian aged care industry 9 September 2020
We need to have a conversation with the Australian people about what we’re doing with aged care, … for older people to stay at home, even though that’s going to cost quite a bit more than residential care. Now, the cost of that would be substantial. What do we— what are we prepared to pay for and who pays for it? Those are the issues. Now, there are not snappy, easy answers to those questions, but we need a much more honest dialogue about that in the community.
Ian Yates, Chief Executive Officer, COTA
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- Do be aware of the recent changes. These are affecting Home Care providers too. You may find that some of the services have changed, or are no longer...
My Aged Care case management team working with providers
14 May 2020
The government has established a special My Aged Care case management team to link the most vulnerable older people to providers during COVID-19.
The health department’s channel management director Catherine Burkitt told a webinar on Wednesday the team was established in response to the pandemic to help clients with complex needs or lack of family support who are struggling to get the help they need. “The team makes sure they fully understand the client’s needs,” she told an OPAN webinar on navigating aged care services during COVID. “They might link them to appropriate service providers or local organisations and charities; they can talk to service providers on their behalf and follow up with phone calls to check how they’re progressing.”
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
Apply for an assessment online in 3 easy steps
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment. Using the online application is quick and easy and will only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
It’s the same form to apply for all types of care and support – including help at home, short-term care, and care in an aged care home. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. If you’d like to set up an ongoing representative, you can also do that here.
There are three parts. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessor should call to arrange the assessment. You will need your Medicare card and enough time to complete it.
Start now
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Deadline looms for home care agreement reviews
Home care providers who don’t review their clients’ agreements in line with new transparency requirements by the end of this month could find themselves in hot water.
The government last year introduced new rules requiring home care providers to publish pricing schedules and price lists on My Aged Care, charge all new clients those fees and provide them with a pricing list. The new rules also required prices to factor in reasonable admin costs including office rent, insurance and marketing, which could no longer be charged separately.
For information about the Home Care Package Pricing Tool contact [email protected] or 1300 111 636.
New requirements for existing clients
From July, the same requirements will apply to clients who were receiving services before last July.
Sean Rooney https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/06/16/deadline-looms-for-home-care-agreement-reviews/
Providers will have to review their agreement with these clients in line with the published pricing schedule and include a copy.
“If you do not meet these requirements the Department of Health may take compliance action,” the government warns.
In reviewing agreements, provider are obliged to provide adequate information and make sure clients understand how the changes will impact on them.
However, providers will not be able to make the changes without the agreement of clients but will have to negotiate an agreement that suits both parties, the department says.
LASA CEO Sean Rooney warns that the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has been monitoring providers and has informed the peak that some are not meeting full pricing transparency rules. “The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audits of home care providers indicate they are asking for client financial statements and reviewing financial governance arrangements,” said Mr Rooney.
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INTRODUCING ADA LAW, OUR NEW COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
https://adalaw.com.au/
ADA Australia’s human rights advocacy service will now operate as ADA Law, a registered Community Legal Service. As a Community Legal Service, we can now provide legal advice and representation in addition to advocacy services for guardianship and administration matters.
As ADA Law, ADA Australia can provide a valuable human rights legal and advocacy service to support adults whose capacity is in question or who have a cognitive impairment when they are:
Call ADA Law on 1800 ADA LAW (1800 232 529), or visit the website at www.adalaw.com.au
Meet Karen Williams, ADA Law’s Principal Solicitor, in The Advocate Spotlight.
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Advanced care planning for people
It’s not something that people like to think of, but there may come a time when you’re not able to express your wants when it comes to health care. Planning for this means you’ll be treated the way you want.
Key points:
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning can offer a sense of control as it allows people to speak up about what matters most to them when it comes to planning for any future medical treatment and other care needs.
Advance care planning is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for older people, people with disability, people who live with a chronic illness, early cognitive impairment or multiple diseases, or are approaching the end of their life.
Planning your care means that family members, loved ones and doctors can know your wishes which helps them make decisions that respect your wishes and preferences.
Advance care planning involves:
Creating an Advance Care Directive
An Advance Care Directive (ACD) is a legal document that allows someone over the age of 18 to set in stone their decisions about any future medical treatment and healthcare including values, either cultural or religious, and wishes.
For example, some people include ‘do not resuscitate’ orders in their ACD as they may be concerned about how their body recovers after they are resuscitated.
When creating an ACD, it’s best to have a discussion with your family, health care providers and even your friends about your wishes and your reasons for making your decisions. This is so that those around you can be on the same page about what you want.
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor about any underlying disability or illness and any other relevant conditions you need to consider when preparing your ACD.
You should consider asking questions about things like the expected trajectory of your illness and how this might impact your future quality of life.
When selecting someone to be a substitute decision-maker one of the best safeguards is to appoint a person that you can trust and then inform them of your health care preferences. As well as supply them a copy of your Advance Care Directive.
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Your first stop:
This section gives you easy access to all the My Aged Care brochures, forms, checklists and other documents that are located within My Aged Care website. Some are also available in other languages.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/resources
Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual for Home Care Package consumers
Version 1 – March 2020
Last updated March 2020
1.1 Helping you stay at home
The Australian Government funds a range of aged care services delivered in the community to support senior Australians to live independently in their own home for as long as possible.
These are:
entry level home support – ongoing or short-term entry level services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme;
more coordinated support at home - coordinated support packages that address your care needs and goals through the Home Care Packages Program.
There are four levels of packages ranging from low care needs to high care needs. You can plan for your future by thinking about your aged care needs and personal goals early. Planning ahead improves your ability to live independently and to have your wishes respected when the time comes to access aged care services. Having these conversations with your family, doctor and other support people will ensure you are better prepared for the future. My Aged Care has further information on how to start planning for your future aged care needs. The My Aged Care website is www.myagedcare.gov.au.
What does the manual contain?
This manual is for the Home Care Packages Program, which enables coordinated support at home. The manual is a part of a suite of information resources including:
‘Your pathway to accessing a home care package’ brochure;
‘Your guide to Home Care Package services’ booklet; and
fact sheets and other information that may be of interest.
* * * * You can find all of these resources by going to https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/resources scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and selecting “Resources” under “Further Information”. This manual has the most detailed information on the Home Care Packages Program. It takes you through the Home Care Packages Program from how to access a Home Care Package, what costs are involved and the care and support you can receive. You can also speak to your provider for more information.
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
Apply for an assessment online in 3 easy steps
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment. Using the online application is quick and easy and will only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
It’s the same form to apply for all types of care and support – including help at home, short-term care, and care in an aged care home. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. If you’d like to set up an ongoing representative, you can also do that here.
There are three parts. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessor should call to arrange the assessment. You will need your Medicare card and enough time to complete it.
Start now
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual for Home Care Package consumers
Version 1 - 1 March 2020 Helping you stay at home
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/operational-manual-for-home-care-package-consumers.pdf
The Australian Government funds a range of aged care services delivered in the community to support senior Australians to live independently in their own home for as long as possible. These are:
entry level home support – ongoing or short-term entry level services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme;
more coordinated support at home - coordinated support packages that address your care needs and goals through the Home Care Packages Program.
There are four levels of packages ranging from low care needs to high care needs. You can plan for your future by thinking about your aged care needs and personal goals early. Planning ahead improves your ability to live independently and to have your wishes respected when the time comes to access aged care services. Having these conversations with your family, doctor and other support people will ensure you are better prepared for the future. My Aged Care has further information on how to start planning for your future aged care needs. The My Aged Care website is www.myagedcare.gov.au.
1.2 What does the manual contain?
This manual is for the Home Care Packages Program, which enables coordinated support at home. The manual is a part of a suite of information resources including:
‘Your pathway to accessing a home care package’ brochure;
‘Your guide to Home Care Package services’ booklet; and fact sheets and other information that may be of interest.
You can find all of these resources by going to www.myagedcare.gov.au, scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and selecting “Resources” under “Further Information”. This manual has the most detailed information on the Home Care Packages Program. It takes you through the Home Care Packages Program from how to access a Home Care Package, what costs are involved and the care and support you can receive.
You can also speak to your provider for more information. Last updated March 2020 Page 8 of 105 This manual contains 1800 numbers you can contact for further assistance. Calls to 1800 numbers are generally free when made from a landline. All calls made from mobile phones are charged at the rates applicable to each telephone provider.
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eFriend is for all Australians aged 18 and over. Sometimes we all will need a friendly ear and someone to help us through hard times. At times we all feel lonely, isolated, anxious or distressed. At these times eFriend can help. Please register now for your free sessions.
https://efriend.org.au/
Older Aussies get dedicated pandemic support line
By: Dallas Bastian in News, Top Stories April 23, 2020
Senior Australians, their families and carers who seek help or advice about navigating the coronavirus pandemic now have access to a dedicated free call support line. The support line will operate Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am to 6pm. It can be reached on 1800 171 866.
The phone line was set up by the government in conjunction with COTA Australia, National Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network and Dementia Australia.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck urged Australians to make use of support if they are feeling lonely, distressed, troubled or confused. OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said the hotline will provide particular support to those accessing aged care services who are disproportionately impacted by health precautions and restrictions. “People are scared and confused,” Gear said. “Many are unsure what is safe and what isn’t. The hotline is an important part of what will need to be a big community response. We need everyone checking in and supporting older people in aged care in particular because they are vulnerable to both the virus and social isolation.”
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Video calls during social isolation may make no difference to the quality of life of older people, a review of scientific studies suggests.
The evidence from these three studies suggests that video calls have little to no effect on loneliness after three, six or 12 months. There is also little to no difference in symptoms of depression after three or six months, although after a year, older people who used video calls may have had a small reduction in depression compared to those who received usual care. Similarly, video calls may make little to no difference to older people’s quality of life.
A Cochrane Rapid Review, Video calls for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people, will come as small comfort to many after mobile technology was widely touted as a way of countering loneliness in older people forced in to isolation during COVID-19 restrictions.
The authors of the review looked at three studies involving more than 200 participants aged 65 and over who used internet video calls on computers tablets or smartphones.
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Government To Conduct Welfare Checks On Those Deferring Home Care
By The Hon Richard Colbeck. Apr 8, 2020
Welfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said home care recipients who had suspended services to avoid the risk of contracting the virus would now receive phone calls to ensure their wellbeing.
“We don’t want people to fall through the cracks,” Minister Colbeck said. “Elderly people who receive home care visits are often extremely vulnerable.
“It’s clear some Senior Australians are anxious about the risks of visits from providers.
“Of course, it’s their choice to receive or not receive care – but we remain determined to ensure those who need support are still receiving it.”
Minister Colbeck said it was another measure to ensure Senior Australians received the support they needed during a difficult time.
BEFORE you make any decision, do contact your preferred Provider to find out how they are handling the changes. You may even come up with a suggestion of your own!!!
Everyday impacts of a variety of losses on carers and their loved ones are often just under the radar of awareness yet have profound emotional effects. In this workshop we talk about a less-commonly understood type of grief that carers experience where there is no finality, or community acknowledgement or rituals to support their grieving process. Also we focus on coping strategies and the transforming power of grief.
Under the move, these disability-related supports include:
The Council also agreed the Hospital Discharge Delay Action Plan will help promote the timely discharge of NDIS participants from public hospitals.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and State and Territory health departments will develop aligned communications to implement the collaboration of funded disability-related health supports by the NDIS and health systems.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Summer Foundation, Luke Bo’sher says, “The decision to fund disability-related health supports under the NDIS will go a long way towards addressing major gaps that people with high and complex disabilities are experiencing when trying to access essential supports."
03 July 2019
· A GP (for general/referrals/other Health Services ) - go to the HealthShare.com.au
Make better health choices - Search for a health professional, specialty or health topic.
Contact your GP doctor, mental health practitioner or midwife by phone, especially if you have cold or flu symptoms and explain your situation.
What is a telehealth video consultation? Telehealth video consultation patient pamphlet (DOCX 65 KB)
A telehealth video consultation is a consultation between a patient and their GP (or practice nurse/Aboriginal health worker) at one location and a specialist located at another location.
Advantages of telehealth video consultations
Every patient’s situation is different but in general, the benefits of this service include:
How can I have a telehealth video consultation with my specialist?
To have a telehealth video consultation with your specialist, you must be referred by your GP and the clinicians must consider it safe and suitable for you. Not all specialists offer telehealth video consultations – your GP will discuss options with you.
Do I have to participate?
No. You are able to attend a face-to-face consultation with your specialist if you prefer. A telehealth video consultation will only happen if your clinicians consider it safe and suitable and you are happy to participate in a telehealth video consultation.
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NPS MedicineWise podcast
This new, regular podcast from NPS MedicineWise helps health professionals stay up to date with the latest evidence for medicines, tests and treatments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 1: Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19 - listen at https://www.nps.org.au/coronavirus
In this episode, we look at emerging evidence for the use of hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19, and whether it is actually a ‘miracle drug’ that will save lives during this pandemic.
14 May 2020
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Pay more attention to depression as a side-effect of many medications, researchers say.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/second-opinion-depression-as-a-medication-side-effect-1.4710868
A new U.S. study serves as a "very important reminder" that depression is a possible side-effect of many common medications, especially when patients are taking more than one of them, the Canadian Pharmacists Association says. "I think it's something that we don't always think about," said Phil Emberley, the association's director of practice advancement and research, and a pharmacist in Ottawa.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia University in New York — including a pharmacist and and psychiatrist — looked at data gathered from more than 26,000 adults in a national health survey conducted from 2005-2006 and from 2013-2014.
The researchers catalogued what medications their subjects were taking at the time, as well as how many depressive symptoms they displayed (based on a self-reporting tool commonly used for diagnosing depression). They found about one-third of the people in the study were taking at least one medication for which depression is listed as a potential side-effect. Those drugs include some types of blood pressure medications, beta blockers, birth control pills, proton pump inhibitors, anticonvulsants, painkillers and corticosteroids. "People are taking a lot of drugs and a lot of these meds have depression as an adverse effect," Qato said. "One to two per cent risk of depression, perhaps, for most of these medications, but when they're taken together in a real-world setting, it really matters."
'It's something we don't always think about,' Canadian pharmacist says of U.S. study findings.
Nicole Ireland · CBC News · Posted: Jun 18, 2018 | Last Updated: June 19, 2018.
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http://pbs.gov.au/browse/changes
1 July 2021 new listings wrap-up - a wrap-up of medicines newly listed or changed on the PBS on 1 July 2021.
and for those frequently asked Questions:- http://pbs.gov.au/info/general/faq
http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/news/
5 July 2021
What's changed?
From 30 April 2020, four antibiotics listed on the PBS General Schedule (Section 85) had changes made to their listings and new listings added for the treatment of a range of infections, such as acute cystitis, streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis and periorbital cellulitis.
The antibiotics include:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) http://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
This website contains information on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme including details of the medicines subsidised by the Australian Government as well as information for consumers, carers, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. The PBS is part of Australia’s broader National Medicines Policy.
30 July 2020
The PBS Safety Net protects patients and their families requiring a large number of PBS or RPBS items. For the purposes of the scheme, the family includes the person:
Fees, Patient Contributions and Safety Net Thresholds
The following fees, patient contributions and safety net thresholds apply as at 1 September 2019 and are included, where applicable, in prices published in the Schedule --
Dispensing Fees: Ready-prepared $7.39
Dangerous drug fee $3.11
Extemporaneously-prepared $9.43
Allowable additional patient charge* $4.53
Additional Fees (for safety net prices): Ready-prepared $1.25
Extemporaneously-prepared $1.61
Patient Co-payments: General $40.30
Concessional $6.50
Safety Net Thresholds: General $1550.70
Concessional $390.00
Safety Net Card Issue Fee: $10.10
* The allowable additional patient charge is a discretionary charge to general patients if a pharmaceutical item has a dispensed price for maximum quantity less than the general patient co-payment. The pharmacist may charge general patients the allowable additional fee but the fee cannot take the cost of the prescription above the general patient co-payment for the medicine. This fee does not count towards the Safety Net threshold.
PBS Latest News
7 May 2021
Subscribe to receive email notification of news and updated publications.
https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/industry/pricing/price-disclosure-spd
Medicine Shortages Information Initiative
There are a number of medicines that are in short supply in Australia at present. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) publishes information about shortages of reportable medicines in Australia, including those arising from the discontinuation of products. For more information click here.
01 October 2020
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You can view, print and download your customised search results or a location map of services and facilities for free.
https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Queensland/Gold_Coast/
15 April 2020
The federal government has teamed with Australia’s largest online workforce platform to provide a temporary surge workforce for providers who lose staff as a result of COVID-19. Mable was established in 2014 to connect care and support workers with people in the community and has previously linked older Australians and people with disability to support workers under consumer directed care.
Richard ColbeckIt is now opening up its 8,000-strong online workforce to approved residential aged care providers to recruit workers in nursing, allied health and personal care. Home and CHSP providers, and community services like Meals on Wheels, will also be able to use the platform for domestic help and social services.
CEO Peter Scutt says Mable anticipates expanding it’s community of workers as well as adding volunteers as a category for organisations who rely on unpaid work. “It’s unclear how much we need to grow the workforce by, we’re going to see how demand transpires during this COVID period and we’ll also be looking at supply and demand as we go forward,” he told Community Care Review.
Mable will also provide online training through its training hub for people who may have been stood down or lost their jobs in other industries such as hospitality or aviation.
Filling gaps
Aged care minister Richard Colbeck says the measure will help fill any gaps that may emerge due to illness, self-isolation or personal caring duties affecting staff. The Government will pay the costs of eligible approved providers for engaging the workforce through Mable for four weeks, he told Community Care Review.
He stressed Mable will only provide a temporary workforce and providers will have to show they’ve exhausted all other recruitment options.
“If a home care package provider urgently needs a personal care worker to deliver home care services or a residential provider requires a registered nurse and they have been unable to find a resource using their existing channels, they can use this service to get an appropriately skilled person to deliver the services they need for a short time,” Senator Colbeck said. “This is designed to fill an immediate gap while the aged care provider finds a longer-term solution, which includes staff returning from isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19.”
The surge workforce is among a suite of measures announced by the minister over the weekend, including emergency response teams, remote locums and a grant scheme to reimburse eligible aged care providers for expenditure incurred managing the direct impacts of COVID-19.
Providers won’t be able to claim staff recruited from the temporary surge workforce from the Aged Care Support Program.
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Mable support worker Jo Calabria likes the freedom Mable offers. She can set her own rates and pick and choose her own schedule. “I control when I change that hourly rate… [other] companies set their own rates and how much they pay you, whereas on Mable I’m able to factor in my expenses. “The app is good in the sense of being able to clock in and out of my shifts and be able to see jobs that have popped up,” she says.
“[Users] specifically looked at your profile and they’ve picked you, so you know you’re going into a home because they’ve picked you.”
Mable’s model shares traits with gig economy apps such as Uber and the many food delivery businesses that have popped up as technology has evolved, and these companies are often criticised for the pay and rights afforded to workers.
There’s enormous opportunity for them to earn more, with the potential for consumers to pay less, and for people to offer the services that they’re passionate about. And so, there’s lots of workers that are earning very good rates off the platform, supporting clients and choosing them around services they’re passionate about supplying. And our model is really to unlock the potential of people that do incredibly important work, and allow them to take on responsibility and to be rewarded for that.” “So I think each platform solves a different problem, operates in a different model. But ours, we are very much, truly enabling people to run their own small business, and make all decisions about their business.”
The government strategy will be funded as part of the $101.2 million made available for Age Care measures – part of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion support package announced on March 11, 2020.
https://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/2020/04/government-teams-up-with-tech-company-to-shore-up-aged-care-workforce/
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Home Care Providers - Actions you need to take, like NOW...
https://communitycarereview.com.au/sponsoredcontent/covid-19s-double-whammy-for-providers/
08 April 2020
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/03/27/technologys-role-in-overhauling-the-aged-care-sector/
of the Home Care Packages Program.
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
30 January 2020 by Liz Alderslade
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Keep informed:
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources. You can access more information from:
Australian Government website
World Health Organization
Wellways - Help for Carers
- Office locations
Wellways - https://www.wellways.org/covid-19
NDIS website
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
10 July 2020
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to coronavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the carers line on 132 717.
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eSafety courses to keep Senior Australians connected during COVID-19
24 April 2020
A joint media release with The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, about free webinars to help improve the online skills of Senior Australians as they increasingly turn to the internet to access online services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free daytime webinars are now available to help improve the online skills of Senior Australians as they increasingly turn to the internet to access online services and connect with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These online courses are being delivered by the eSafety Commissioner as part of the Federal Government’s “Be Connected” initiative, aimed at empowering all Australians to develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.
Hosted by professional eSafety Commissioner trainers, the courses will offer participants guidance to help build basic online skills and confidence required to carry out video chats, telehealth, shopping and banking.
The classes commenced 24 April 2020, and feature key topics specifically for remaining connected while social distancing measures are in place, including:
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Quick Contacts:
High Priority is defined as:
Client is considered at urgent and immediate risk in terms of their personal safety or at immediate risk of admission into residential care. The client may have a carer and the carer arrangements are unsustainable or the carer is at crisis point.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/acat-guidance-for-home-care-package-high-priority.pdf
eSafety Courses to keep Senior Australians connected during COVID-19:
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/senator-the-hon-richard-colbeck/media/esafety-courses-to-keep-senior-australians-connected-during-covid-19
Emergency Respite CRCC: 1800 052 222 or after hours 1800 059 059 Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 www.carergateway.gov.au
Disability Gateway NEW https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ Phone 1800 643 787
Wellness Australia (Qld - Wellness Australia) https://www.wellways.org/our-services/carer-gateway-support-services 1300 111 400.
ideas experts for disability information. A toll-free national call centre 1800 029 904 8am-8pm and website for all people with disability and the public, with advice on disability supports/services https://ideas.org.au/
Seniors One Stop Information Line: No question too big or small 1300 135 500
Seniors Guide to Qld Help App https://adaaustralia.com.au/resources/seniors-guide-to-qld-help-app/
National Injury Insurance Scheme (Qld) https://niis.qld.gov.au Phone 1300 302 568
A “One stop shop for disability knowledge” http://www.cadr.org.au/
Frequently asked Questions https://providertoolkit.ndis.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions
some examples: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing#ndis-price-guide-2019-20-effective-1-december-2019
Current price limits are published on the Price guides and information page of the NDIS website.
Price Guide 2019–20 for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Clickability Share Your experience of different services with other participants. https://clickability.com.au/
Need help finding something? Call Clickability on 1800 414 616 or email [email protected]
Disability Gateway February 2021 https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ Phone 1800 643 787
Disability Information Service 1800 177 120
Free Australian classifieds for buying & selling used disability, aged care & rehabilitation equipment http://reusability.com.au/
Understand Your Plan https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/disabilitysupportguide-assets/information/DPS_Disability+Support+Journey_V2.pdf
Just missed out on the NDIS? Over 65? Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme (CoS)
Planning and achieving your NDIS goals https://www.ndis.gov.au/
NDIS Questions and Answers https://www.endeavour.com.au/ndis
Common Mistakes when making your NDIS plan https://www.endeavour.com.au/media-news/blog/are-you-making-these-ndis-mistakes
Decision making for Disability in Vic http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/our-services/publications-forms/carers/
Mental Health Acute Care 24hrs/7days (07) 5667 2000 or 1300 642 255
Supports for carers through the NDIS https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=M4GPt5RT1kE
Specialist Disability Services in Queensland https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/specialist-disability-services
Wellways for Mental Health https://www.wellways.org/understanding-mental-health/i-am-experiencing-mental-health-issues
Lifeline 24/7 (anyone having a personal crisis):
Counselling and support 13 11 14 or chat online https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/advice/13health qualified staff who can point you in the right direction. You can phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for qualified health advice. Please remember, 13 HEALTH is not a diagnostic service and should not replace medical consultation.
My Health Record https://bsphn.org.au/primary-care-support/digital-health/my-health-record/
DV Connect (Women's Line) 24hrs/7 days: 1800 811 811
DV Connect (Men's Line) 9am-12 midnight/7 days: 1800 600 636
DV Connect Kid's Line 24 hrs/7 days: 1800 551 800
Men's Line Australia 24 hrs/7 days: 1300 789 978
Queensland Elder Abuse Prevention Unit 1300 651 192 www.eapu.com.au
Head to Health a directory of more than 370 federally funded mental health services and resources, including mental health websites, online courses, free or low-cost evidence based apps and online programs to help build personal skills plus forums to share experiences with others who are also experiencing mental health challenges.
Meals on Wheels: Nerang 5596 1026
Transcord Community Transport Services 5539 3733
Energex: Power supply/outages 13 19 62
SES: Flood & Storm assistance (fallen trees,
roof damage, floods) 132 500
RSPCA: Animal emergencies 1300 852 188
Assistance Dogs perform a range of tasks for people living with disabilities http://www.assistancedogs.org.au/
mindDog: specialising in psychiatric service/assistance dogs https://www.minddog.org.au/the-process/apply/
Able Transport Service 5571 0344
Volunteering Gold Coast Transport 5526 5288
Deaf Services Queensland 3892 8500 - Note: they have now become a Provider of Home Care. Ask next time you contact them.
Queensland Disability Network 1300 363 783
Accommodation Support & Respite Services provides assistance with daily living for people with a primary diagnosis of an intellectual disability who require support to enable them to live as independently as possible.
Level 11, "The Rocket" 203 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Qld 4226
PO Box 8338, Bundall Qld 9726 Phone" (07) 5675 4478
Gold Coast City Council Seniors and
Disabilities Directory 1300 465 326
My Aged Care 1800 200 422 https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
ADA Australia 07 3637 6000 Free Call: 1800 818 338 Email: [email protected] Web: adaaustralia.com.au
National Aged Care Advocacy Line 1800 700 600
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 1800 550 552 regarding a Commonwealth-subsidised residential or home-based aged care service
Quality regulator becomes aged care’s one-stop shop
By Natasha Egan on January 8, 2020 in Government, Industry, Noticeboard
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/08/quality-regulator-becomes-aged-cares-one-stop-shop/
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is now the single regulator of aged care services and the primary point of contact for aged care providers and consumers for quality and safety matters.
Recently passed aged care legislation amendments, which took effect on 1 January this year, see the following functions transitioned from the Department of Health to the quality and safety commission:
These new roles build on the one-year-old commission’s existing responsibilities for complaints and the accreditation, assessment and monitoring of aged care services.
The quality and safety commission’s additional functions and responsibilities enact recommendations from the Carnell Paterson review of regulatory processes to create a one-stop shop for regulation and strengthen regulatory oversight of the sector.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson said the commission now had a broader range of tools to drive improvements in aged care consumer experience and care outcomes.
“The commission has an important role to play in holding aged care providers to account for the provision of such care, as required under the Aged Care Quality Standards.
“We complement this role through our work in promoting consumer engagement, providing information and education, and seeking to resolve complaints about aged care providers,” Ms Anderson said.
06 January 2020
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Important message for current Queensland Community Care service users
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now available across Queensland. As a result, from 1 July 2019 the Queensland Community Care Program was replaced by the Queensland Community Support Scheme.
Many people have moved to the NDIS, but others may be experiencing delays. For this reason, the Department of Communities, Disability and Seniors will ensure existing Queensland Community Care clients at 30 June 2019 will continue to receive their service under the new Queensland Community Support Scheme.
If you are eligible for the NDIS in the future, you will transition to the national scheme at that time.
Existing Queensland Community Care Program service users do not need to test their eligibility with the NDIS to transition to the new Queensland Community Support Scheme.
If you are a current service user and experiencing difficulty or concern about moving from the Queensland Community Care Program to the new scheme, or the NDIS, for advice and support please contact Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) by calling 1300 363 783 or (07) 3252 8566.
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you can make an access request to the NDIS at a future point. QDN will be available until 30 September 2019 to assist a limited number of people with this access process.
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Free Australian classifieds for buying and selling used disability, aged care and rehabilitation equipment.
http://reusability.com.au/
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The long wait for home care packages is forcing some older people to enter residential care prematurely because of carer burn-out and lack of reablement support, the aged care royal commission has heard.
Have you thought of enquiring into a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for your loved one?
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report, released by the government just before Christmas, covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019.
It revealed that 112,237 people were still on the waiting list for their approved home care package.
Richard Colbeck
Close to 50,000 of those waiting are receiving a lower level interim home care package.
Almost all of the remaining 62,000 people without any package have been referred to Commonwealth Home Support Services, the report said.
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/07/slight-improvement-on-home-care-queue/
07 January 2020
Funded by the Australian Government, the CHSP is an entry level home help programme for older people who are mostly – but not completely – able to live and cope on their own, and don’t yet need higher levels of support at home. A home support assessment conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) is required to access Government subsidised support at home.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/extra-15-million-to-support-independent-living
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New Aged care means assessment forms
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the new Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA486) digital form. Your clients can fill it in online, print and sign it and send it to DHS with their supporting documents. The digital form uses dynamic questions tailored to the customers’ individual circumstances.
For clients who would prefer to use our simplified paper forms, they are as follows:
These forms are all available on the DHS website. Tips on how to download the digital form can be found here.
Aged care means tests: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/aged-care-means-tests
We assess your financial details to work out how much you need to pay towards aged care.
Customers commencing a Home Care Package don’t need to fill in a form if they get a means tested income support payment from Centrelink or DVA.
Customers entering Residential Care don’t need to fill in a form if they:
It is important to make sure their income and assets are up to date when they enter into care to ensure their assessment can be completed automatically. They can do this by accessing their Centrelink online account or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 or DVA on 1800 555 254.
Department of Health
26 November 2019
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“$50,000 Should Not Translate To Just Nine Hours Of Care,” Royal Commission Hears
by Caroline Egan. https://hellocaremail.com.au/home-care-delivered-hours-care-royal-commission/
Home care was under the Royal Commission’s spotlight on Monday, as the second set of hearings began.
New standardised home care pricing Schedule
To improve transparency for senior Australians, all home care providers will need to publish their pricing information in a new standardised pricing comparability Schedule (the Schedule) on the My Aged Care Service Finder. 8 July 2019
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Aged care provides support to older people to help them with everyday living and other needs. Find out about what services we fund, how older Australians can access them, and what service providers need to do to deliver our aged care programs.
"Another key source of confusion is around the mandated requirement by government that all approved providers must publish the prices they charge for certain common care and services in a standard format on My Aged Care, she says.
Administration and Case Management are no longer separate categories and the model of charging a percentage of a home care package for these is no longer possible,” Ms Poulos says.
There are two new categories – Package Management and Care Management – that have very clear definitions and requirements to validate charges made to a consumer’s package of care.
Providers are now required to attach to the Notice a copy of their full price list or a link to the full price list on their own website.
Government has indicated that compliance with the new legislation will be monitored for ‘reasonable’ charges however there is no real guidance about what would be considered as ‘reasonable’.“
08 July 2019
Home Care Providers are required to keep all of their pricing information on My Aged Care up to date and review it at least once every 12 months.
Home Care Providers will also be required to undertake the following for new clients from 1 July 2019, and for existing clients, before 1 July 2020:
All of these changes will enable people to better understand and compare common services and costs across home care providers and make a more informed decision about which provider is best suited to deliver their care.
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers need to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
Check it out for yourself!!!
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
Other costs:
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
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Compare providers https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/compare
Takes 2-5 minutes
This free service allows you to compare Angels in Aprons Respite Service with other providers who can deliver services based on your needs in the location you require. The information you provide will remain confidential and your details will only be shared with the provider if you choose to continue the conversation after viewing their response.
Important to know
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Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie has accused community care providers of charging their clients excessive administration fees on a scale that amounts to “systemic rorting” of government subsidies.
Mr Wilkie told Federal Parliament last week he had received many complaints from older people and their families about “ridiculous administrative costs” being levied on consumers. In one example described to Parliament, Mr Wilkie said a home care package client was being charged $165 per hour for basic house cleaning and showering services once non-direct care costs were added to their individual statement.
He said overcharging by many service providers was “on a scale that a reasonable person would characterise as systemic rorting.” “Some service providers are delivering very little and padding out the invoice with ridiculous administrative charges which in some cases is quadrupling the total bill,” he said.
and do Read the comments after the article...
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The federal government has announced a $10 million boost to the Community Visitors Scheme to help older Australians cope with increased social distancing and tough visiting restrictions.
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/04/07/commission-reaches-out-to-home-care-providers/
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) network member – Qld
Queensland Community Care Network Inc is the CVS network member for Queensland.
Contact Kieran Mawdsley if you have questions about the CVS, want to refer someone or yourself to the CVS, or would like to become a volunteer visitor.
Kieran Mawdsley
[email protected]
Kieran Mawdsley
07 3379 7200
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts?search_api_views_fulltext=cvs%20n
Aged Care Open Disclosure Framework and Guidance
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resources/open-disclosure
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Information about assessment contacts being conducted at aged care providers, including determination of the scope for unannounced assessment contacts.
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/assessment-processes/assessment-contacts
28 June 2019
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Open disclosure is the open discussion that an aged care provider has with people receiving aged care services when something goes wrong that has harmed or had the potential to cause harm to a person receiving aged care service.
With more than 1.3 million people receiving care in Australia, this is a crucial activity for providers to support continuous improvement within their service.
Brochures & Posters
Guides & Handbooks
Aged Care - Flexible
Aged Care – Home and Community
Aged Care – Residential
Your Rights
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Since 1 July 2019, the new Charter will apply to all care recipients receiving Commonwealth‑subsidised aged care, including residential care, home care packages, flexible care and services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. The Charter is a component of the Single Aged Care Quality Framework and replaces the four separate charters for residential care, home care and short-term restorative care.
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For those who do need that Additional Help...
To find out who has available Home Care Packages - like NOW, click here
Since 27 February 2017, the package (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4) has gone to YOU. You choose your own Provider and the Government then gives them the $ to spend on what YOU Want. Do be aware that some Providers are charging joining, upgrade or exit fees for their in home health and wellbeing services. This is Not Mandatory, and should any Provider place these restrictions in your New Home Care Agreement, Do NOT sign it. You do NOT have to pay for these. Only those things which YOU have agreed to can be placed in your new Home Care Agreement. If this is happening to You, do not sign and immediately look around and choose another Provider.
Comparing home care options and choosing the right one can be challenging, but new government reforms are set to simplify the process. The Department of Health is introducing a range of changes to make it easier for consumers to compare service offerings and costs across different home care providers.
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages and changes to the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR)
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges, as well as subsidies and supplements will take effect from 1 July 2020. This is in line with changes to the age pension and indexation rates.
The quarterly review of fees and charges conducted by Services Australia, for all care recipients will be effective from 1 July 2020. Care recipients and providers will receive letters letting them know if there is a change to a person's fees and charges or if a refund may be due.
Schedule of fees and charges View the updated Schedule of Fees and Charges for:
01 January 2021
"Some Providers Charging High Case Management, Administration Costs”
The Aged Care Minister The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP told HelloCare that home care operators that do not publish their fees online could face funding penalties. “I commissioned this report for an independent view of home care and am taking strong action on home care fees and transparency,” he said. “I expect administrative charges to be kept to a minimum, to maximise service delivery for senior Australians, and I am concerned with the practice of some providers charging high case management and administration costs.
Home care providers will be required to publish their pricing information in a new standardised schedule on the My Aged Care website by mid-year. Aged care minister Ken Wyatt said the move will help older adults understand and compare service offerings and prices across providers. “The greater transparency will also address the concerns raised about high administration prices being charged by some home care providers, which reduces the amount of taxpayer subsidised funds being spent on actual support,” Wyatt said.
The Department is actively monitoring home care providers and has already written to those who have not complied.”
“Since 1 July 2019 providers are required to complete a standardised schedule of pricing information on My Aged Care. This will allow senior Australians and their families to make like-for-like comparisons,” Mr Wyatt said.
A new charter for stronger aged care rights:
On 1 July 2019, the Australian Government introduced a new and simpler Charter of Aged Care Rights.
The new Charter:
Home Care - a guide to your consumer rights
YOU have the same rights as when you buy goods or services under the Australian Consumer Law. The reforms are in response to mounting concerns raised by aged care consumers and families about the lack of transparency and comparability of home care pricing information, and the high administration prices being charged by some providers.
A detailed guide for consumers, families, carers and advocates on how consumer laws apply to home care arrangements.
13 July 2018
Those under 65 needing Community Care basic support (1 to 5 hrs per week) phone your local Community Access Point 1800 600 300
no referral reqd.
High Priority is defined as: Client is considered at urgent and immediate risk in terms of their personal safety or at immediate risk of admission into residential care. The client may have a carer and the carer arrangements are unsustainable or the carer is at crisis point.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/acat-guidance-for-home-care-package-high-priority.pdf
The Future of Carer Support - Integrated Carer Support Service
“…includes the introduction of new early-intervention services and a new service delivery model that will provide carers with a support system that is easy to navigate…”
Unprecedented support for Australia’s carers
https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/5096
21 August 2019
"The Morrison Government is introducing the single biggest reform in more than a decade to better support Australia’s 2.7 million carers.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today announced a new regional network of service providers to deliver more than five times the number of services currently available.
Ten not-for-profit organisations will receive about $493 million over five years to establish a new network of 16 Carer Gateway service providers as part of the Morrison Government’s record commitment of nearly $700 million to support the important work of the nation’s unpaid carers.
“Since 6 April 2020, we have introduced a new service delivery model designed by carers, for carers to help them get the support they need early, before reaching crisis point. We are also providing demand driven funding for carers to access respite when they need it,” Minister Ruston said.
Under the new model, funding earmarked for respite will increase from the existing $44 million allocation to $65 million in the first year, increasing to $77 million in year five.
Carers can continue to access support through their usual service providers until the new Carer Gateway service providers are established in April 2020.
Existing service provider funding will be extended until 31 May 2020 to ensure continuity of support to carers during the important transition to the new Carer Gateway service providers."
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Print Resources Different people have different needs for information at different times during an illness. Patients will also have different needs from their carers. To support these different needs the following list of resources has been compiled based around topics relevant to patients and their carers. The source of the information is included, note that some information is from outside Australia.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/1262/Default.aspx#BGL
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The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
The following resources provide some introductory information on mental illness, mental health and disability. This includes information on diagnoses and associated symptoms, causes and contributing factors, legal systems and your rights. You will also find links to further information and support available for people experiencing mental health issues or disability, including families, friends and carers.
Browse the info sheets to find out more, or call Wellways on 1300 111 400 if you would like more information or have any further questions.
If you are experiencing mental health issues, or have a diagnosis of a mental illness,
our Wellways services, information and resources can be a valuable support to your wellbeing and recovery.
We work with you to bring about positive change and to build a good life in the community. We do this by providing services based on what works, flexible programs that suit you, and support from people who’ve been there. We understand that your needs are as individual as you are.
Our work with you is guided by our belief that everybody can build a life that is not defined by their mental health issues.
For more information, please contact Wellways on 1300 111 400.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
Anxiety program: A new educational program from NPS MedicineWise focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders – conditions that often remain undiagnosed for many years but for which effective treatments are available. Resources for health professionals and consumers are available at
https://www.nps.org.au/
Supports for carers through the NDIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=M4GPt5RT1kE
Carers Forum Acceptance, connection, support. Share the journey.
Safe, anonymous discussion for people living with mental illness, moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals.
Read the community guidelines
Looking for information? Please download our Arafmi information sheets and view our range of resources for carers.
https://www.arafmi.com.au/resources/
Mental health issues; Carer Supports and Carer Groups (overview);
Carer's Forum - The Carers Forum is for people who care about someone with a mental illness. Discussions are organised under these seven topics — click one to read more, or even join in if you’re up for it.
ARAFMI
We have been busy preparing a series of online carer workshops and we're very pleased to say that we're ready to launch and we can't wait to get started!
What are you inviting me to?
We are inviting you to participate in a 15 minute session where we will be practicing breathing and relaxation techniques together to help clear our minds, relax our bodies, and improve our ability to focus.
When are the sessions?
Sessions are held at 3pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Please register below to let us know what day you would like to attend.
Upcoming Workshops
The interactive workshops are designed to help carers understand the impact of mental illness on their loved one; how to improve their relationship; how to develop caring skills, and how carers can keep themselves well emotionally in the long run.
There’s also an opportunity to connect with other carers who may be experiencing similar issues and learn from each other. The carer workshops go for 2 hours with a short break.
If you’d like to attend one or more of our carer workshops, please call us on 07 3254 1881 or email us at [email protected]
July
Carer Coach - Navigating the NDIS
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 Australia
This is the first in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This session is designed to assist carers to understand what the NDIS is, who is eligible to apply and how to apply for an NDIS package.
Find out more »
JULY 13
July
Carer Coach – Preparing for the NDIS Planning Meeting
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the second in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to prepare for the NDIS planning conversation and understand what a plan could cover.
Find out more »
JULY 13
July
Carer Coach – Preparing for the NDIS Planning Meeting
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the second in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to prepare for the NDIS planning conversation and understand what a plan could cover.
Find out more »
JULY 20
July
Carer Coach - Making the most of an NDIS plan
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the third in a series of three workshops for carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to understand what can be included in a plan, how to engage providers and start implementing the plan and how to make the most out of the plan.
Find out more »
JULY 20
July
Carer Coach - Making the most of an NDIS plan
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the third in a series of three workshops for carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to understand what can be included in a plan, how to engage providers and start implementing the plan and how to make the most out of the plan.
Find out more »
JULY 26
July
Workshop: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Personal Boundaries
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis workshop is designed specifically for people who care for a friend or family member with mental health needs. We need boundaries to protect us, put us in charge of our own lives, promote health relationships, independence and reduce stress and conflict. In this workshop we will look at what boundaries are and how and when to practice steps to set personal boundaries.
Find out more »
JULY 27
July
Workshop: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Personal Boundaries
Qld Health Hub, 60 Dalton Drive
Maroochydore, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis workshop is designed specifically for people who care for a friend or family member with mental health needs. We need boundaries to protect us, put us in charge of our own lives, promote health relationships, independence and reduce stress and conflict. In this workshop we will look at what boundaries are and how and when to practice steps to set personal boundaries.
Find out more »
How Do I Join? https://www.arafmi.com.au/family-carers-how-arafmi-can-help/workshops/register-sv/
What Do I Do After The Workshop?
If you could please click this link and leave your feedback, it would be greatly appreciated.
As a carer we hope that you enjoy this break as much as we have enjoyed creating it and presenting it for you.
ARAFMI’s 24 hour telephone support line gives carers access to someone who is able to listen. Its comforting to know that when you need to talk – someone who understands will be there – at any hour.
National Helpline You can call Arafmi any time of the day on 1300 554 660 or 07 3254 1881.
24 hour telephone support (07) 3254 1881 | 1800 35 1881 (Regional Qld) or 1300 554 660
https://www.arafmi.com.au/contact/
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Australian Carer Payment eligibility requirements:
To be an eligible carer you must meet these rules.
Care needs https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/rules-carers#a1
Income and assets https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/rules-carers#a2
Both of these must apply to you. You must:
Assets test for carers The value of your assets can reduce how much we pay you. If it’s over the limit we can’t pay you at all.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/assets/30621
Read about the assets test. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/income-and-assets-test
7 February 2020
Care needs:
You must be providing constant care in the home of one of the following:
Income and assets
Page last updated: 12 November 2019
How do I qualify for a carer's pension?
To get this you must:
"How much is the carer's pension?
There are currently 220,000 recipients of Carer Payment with an average age of 50 (Department of Social Services, 2013). The maximum rate of Carer Payment is $827.10 per fortnight for singles (around $21,500 per year) and $1,246.80 (around $32,500 per year) for a couple combined."
To claim Carer's Allowance you must: Be aged 16 or over; Spend at least 35 hours a week looking after the person in need of care; Have net earnings of less than £131.90 a week, from 9 February 2021.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
Complete the following steps to claim Carer Allowance. Before you start, check if you can get it.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance/how-claim
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance/how-much-you-can-get
How do I become a carer for Centrelink?
To be eligible for the Carer Allowance:
Failure to notify the Department of Human Services of any changes within 14 days could lead to you being overpaid and having to pay those benefits back in future. It’s always vital to report any income that you and your partner earn to the Department of Human Services. This includes details of your hourly pay rate and the number of hours you have worked during each reporting period. Even if your income for the period is zero, you still need to report it to the Department.
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"I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!"
Steve Jobs died a billionaire at age 56. This is his final essay.
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Click here for an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
When people have mental health troubles their self-care often falls by the wayside. A number of problems, including depression, can sap your motivation to perform daily tasks. When you don’t clean, exercise or cook reasonable meals for yourself...
Blog - Just scroll down a bit to find what interests/ can be of assistance, to you.
https://anzmh.asn.au/blog
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for that Special Occasion The period after all the festivities is a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
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Worried about if you just miss out on the NDIS? or if you are over 65 years of age? There IS an alternative being put in place.
The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began on January 1st, 2019.
Who do the Act and Rules apply to?
What changes can services and providers expect?
The new Rules look quite different due to the combined functions under the Act. However, while the Rules have combined a number of previously separate legislative instruments, the core processes are preserved.
Factsheets & FAQs
Aged Care - Flexible
Aged Care – Home and Community
Aged Care – Residential
Assessing services
26 June 2019
It will have a budget of almost $300 million over four years, employing dozens of additional senior compliance officers. The new Commission will immediately absorb the roles of the current Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and, from January 2020, also take over the Department of Health's aged-care compliance responsibilities.
Background Papers 1-8 is called Navigating the maze: an overview of Australia’s current aged care system. It outlines different aspects of the aged care system, the services currently being delivered in Australia and the areas in need of substantial reform.
The Royal Commission will be accepting submissions until mid 2019 from members of the public interested in providing evidence. Submissions can be lodged online, via mail or telephone.
What the new Aged Care Quality Standards mean for you? What are the new standards?
The Australian Government has set some new Aged Care Quality Standards that clearly define what good care should look like. These new Standards have been published, and your service will have to use them from 1 July 2019.
The new Standards make it easier to check that people receive good care. Good care is not about your provider 'ticking boxes'. It’s about them caring for you and your individual needs.
Watch the video to see what the new Standards mean in practice for you.
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NDIS Price Guide - effective 1 March 2021
NDIS Price Guide 2020-21 - effective 1 July 2020
Following the completion of the Annual Price Review to determine NDIS pricing arrangements for the 2020‒21 financial year, the NDIA has published the NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue 2020‒21.
The Price Guide and Support Catalogue 2020‒21 have been updated to reflect the indexed prices as a result of the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2019‒20. The latest Price Guide was published on 29 June 2020 and comes into effect 1 July 2020.
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LATEST: 17 June 2021
https://www.ideas.org.au/
IDEAS - Disability Information
A new phone and online resource providing information about telecommunications products that are suitable for people with particular mobility, sensory, memory or cognitive conditions is now available.
The Accessible Telecoms project, launched on January 21 by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network and funded by a NDIA grant, is Australia’s first independent information resource of its kind for people with disability, ACCAN says.
Accessible Telecoms is available here or by phoning 1800 029 904.
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The latest health and disability news in Australia
https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability
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Q&A answers questions asked by the community about the NDIS.
Participant booklets
Three participant booklets are available to support people with disability and participants throughout their NDIS journey. The booklets are a practical tool to help people with disability, participants, their families, carers and the wider community to learn more about the NDIS, prepare for a planning meeting and to implement their plan.
The booklets are intended for use throughout a person’s NDIS journey and can be used to record key information, write questions and collect thoughts.
12 November 2019
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS
Booklet 1 covers:
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS (PDF 371KB)
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS (DOCX 73KB)
Booklet 2 – Planning
Booklet 2 covers:
Booklet 2 – Planning (PDF 467KB)
Booklet 2 – Planning (DOCX 86KB)
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan
Booklet 3 covers:
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan (PDF 534KB)
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan (DOCX 95KB)
Factsheets and checklists for participants
About the NDIS
What does NDIS mean?
Q&A answers questions asked by the community about the NDIS.
Navigating your NDIS journey?
Download this informative pamphlet to help you in understanding your Plan
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/disabilitysupportguide-assets/information/DPS_Disability+Support+Journey_V2.pdf
Participant Plans
Each participant will have an individualised plan that is tailored to their goals, personal circumstances and disability support needs. The types of supports that the NDIS may fund that may have direct or indirect benefits for you as a carer include:
personal care to support an individual in their home or the community
Supports that maintain a carer’s health and wellbeing will also be considered. This support may include participation in a support group or a special interest network. In deciding whether to fund or provide a support, the NDIA will take account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide.
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Specialist Disability Services in Queensland
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/specialist-disability-services
My Health Record legislation changes
On Monday 26 November 2018, The Australian Digital Health Agency announced that the Australian Parliament passed legislation to strengthen privacy protections in My Heath Records Act 2012. The changes include:
Your My Health Record is an online summary of your health information, such as your medicines, any allergies you may have, and your medical history. Once your My Health Record is created your doctor, hospitals and other healthcare providers involved in your care can automatically access your health information, unless you set up your privacy controls.
Using these privacy controls lets you decide which healthcare providers can access your My Health Record and what they can view. You can also ask a provider not to upload certain information. If you decide you don’t want a My Health Record you can cancel it at any time.
Click on Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.oaic.gov.au/myhealthrecord/privacy/
Every time your My Health Record is accessed, it is recorded in an audit log which you can view by logging into your My Health Record. The System Operator cyber security team constantly monitors system access. There are strict penalties for unlawful access. If you have concerns about who has accessed your My Health Record, contact us immediately on 1800 723 471.
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Gold Coast Community Legal Centre & Advice Bureau Inc
34 Railway Street, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215
(07) 5532 9611
https://www.gcclc.org.au/
Since opening in 1984, our team of fully qualified lawyers has provided front line services to the entire Gold Coast region free of charge. Our priority is to assist the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in a range of legal areas including family law, domestic violence, consumer issues, minor civil claims, motor vehicle accidents, neighbour disputes and minor criminal matters.
Our main office is located centrally in Southport. We also provide legal services at outreach locations all around the Gold Coast region.
Legal advice and assistance is available Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm by appointment and our walk-in night clinic operates every Tuesday evening from 5pm, at our Southport Office. It runs on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with no appointment necessary.
To book an appointment, please call 07 5532 9611 or request a call back online.
To make it more convenient to access our legal services, we operate 'Outreach Clinics' at various locations within the Gold Coast region.
Our solicitors visit these different locations to provide legal advice and assistance on a regular basis. All appointments to see a solicitor at one of these locations are made by phoning our Southport office on 07 5532 9611, or complete our online Booking Form.
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
The free resource provides information about a broad range of topics, including:
Talking informally with other Carers Does Help!
Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH
Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
Live in the Palm Beach area and surrounds? Check this monthly "What's On" on http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Get involved with the Active & Healthy Mental Health Program and join the movement to help create a program specifically for people with a mental illness. This program will highlight all the activities running across the City of Gold Coast that support opportunities for people with a mental illness to become active and healthy.
For Carer Respite support (if the person you care for is over 65 years of age) ring MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 and to find out what support is available in your area. Under 65 years of age? Ring Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre 1800 052 222.
Need Respite in a hurry? In an Emergency you can ring the CRCC during business hours, or for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, phone 1800 059 059 to speak to a live person. This applies also if the person you care for is over 65 years of age.
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Do be aware that since 1 July 2015, the HACC program you have grown to rely on over all these years, has ceased. In its place is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). To find out more, and what it will mean for you and your loved one, click here.
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A guide to making decisions and navigating your entitlements in later life is put out by the Australian Human Rights Commission 2013.
"Your Rights at Retirement" This publication is to help you be well informed about available services from the Age Pension, Carers, who to turn to when you need to make financial decisions, understanding Health options, and generally being well informed about what is available.
"Your Rights at Retirement" is available to download in .pdf or .docx format at
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/publications/your-rights-retirement
Hard copies are available by calling 1300 369 711 or (02) 9284 9600.
Requests for copies can be emailed to [email protected] .
For general enquiries and publications: Phone 1300 369 711 Fax (02) 9284 9611 www.humanrights.gov.au
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The other avenue is to approach the office of your local City Councillor/State member and ask.
Sometimes their staff are most knowledgeable. Actually, for those with no internet, this is probably the best place to start. As for libraries, you would have to go in and ask. Their friendly staff will help you access the internet to search. The Gold Coast Seniors newspaper and Gold Coast Sun often have good articles on services.
Live in the Palm Beach area and surrounds? Check this monthly "What's On" on http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Getting Active and On Your Feet http://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/stayactive_web_final.pdf
Active and Health Program kicked off from 1 January 2021: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/active-healthy-calendar-41468.html
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Aged Care Services – those aged 65 years or older & their Carers
Need help to stay living in your own home and community, but are finding everyday tasks difficult and need support? Click on www.myagedcare.gov.au or Phone My Aged Care Information Line 1800 200 422
Central Intake, Robina Ph 1300 668 936
Aged Care Quality Standards
The Department of Health introduced the Aged Care Quality Standards from 1 July 2018 to replace all previous standards. They will apply to all Commonwealth aged care services including residential care, home care, flexible care and services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Assessment will continue against current applicable standards, with assessment against the new Standards in effect from 1 July 2019. Further information is available on the Quality Agency website.
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Mobility aids
Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require daily living and mobility aids.
Available mobility aids:
Handimove Body Support Independant
Having difficulty moving from your bed to your wheelchair? Needing help to move your body to go to the bathroom/ toilet? Do have a look at this video.
https://www.freedom2live.com.au/handimove-body-support-independant
What's happening with Assistive Technology -
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Sarah Henderson says refining the AT process and simplifying the AT replacement process will allow NDIS participants to maximise use of their funding and focus on their goals.
Since June 2019, the NDIA has introduced changes that will make it easier for participants to access refurbished or pre-used AT.
Some examples of Assistive Technology that an NDIS participant may be eligible to receive funding for includes (but is not limited to):
Question: Is ongoing servicing and maintenance for Assistive Technology (AT) and equipment included in a plan?
The NDIA recognises the importance of repairs and maintenance for many items of AT so they continue to be useful to the participant.
We aim to ensure servicing and maintenance is more consistently included in plans to enable participants to access the services they need.
In addition the NDIA and our Partners in the Community will be encouraging participants to make arrangements early (through a suitable service booking) to ensure they have a suitable provider aware of their AT in case of an unexpected repair.
13 March 2018
Assistive Technology under the NDIS does not include:
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This term describes various methods of communication and may include:
Know how the NDIS works:
NDIS Get Ready: 1800 772 383 - you can ask them questions, even if they can't help you at present. Check the information and resources available at https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ndis
You can also call the NDIS 1800 800 110
Click on: I’ve been assessed for a Home Care Package
There are a number of costs associated with a Home Care Package. How much, and the types of costs you will have to pay depend on the home care provider you choose and your income assessment.
The costs you pay will be available to you in a budget that is used to pay for the services you need. Your budget also depends on your level of care, and includes contributions from the government.
The total amount of a Home Care Package budget is made up of:
- The Australian Government’s contribution:
- the subsidy (and supplements, if eligible)
- the subsidy (and supplements, if eligible)
- Your contribution (the fees you may be asked to pay):
- your basic daily fee (which everyone receiving a Home Care Package can be asked to pay)
- your income-tested care fee (an additional amount that some people pay based on their income assessment)
- any additional fees you agree to.
Together, these funds are used to cover the cost of your care and services based on your care plan.
Different Home Care Package providers charge different amounts for their services, so to get the most out of your budget, it’s worth comparing what’s on offer. You can use the Find a provider tool to compare provider costs.
The things you should look at include the cost of:
- services
- care management, and
- package management.
What you can do now:
- Use our fee estimator to find out how much you might need to pay.
- If the fee estimator indicates that you have to pay an income-tested care fee, use our Income and means assessment tool to find out if you need to do an income assessment.
What if I can't afford it? If you’re worried that you may not be able to afford your home care, residential respite care or permanent residential care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care costs.
If you are receiving care through another aged care program, please speak to your provider.
Learn more about financial hardship assistance.
Can I seek financial advice? Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended that you seek independent financial advice before deciding how to pay for your aged care.
Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free service available to everyone. FIS officers can show you how to make informed financial decisions and help you to understand the financial implications of your aged care costs. They can also help you understand how different payment methods for residential care may affect your pension and aged care costs if you ever need to move into an aged care home.
To find out more about FIS, or to make an appointment, call 132 300 and say “Financial Information Service” when asked why you are calling.
For more information and guidance on financial matters, you can also visit our financial support and advice page.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
- the type of help you need,
- the provider you choose,
- your financial situation, and
- the services you receive.
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
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Home Care Packages
The cost for Home Care Packages can be broken down into two types of fees - the basic daily fee and the income-tested care fee.
The basic daily fee is a set percentage of the single basic Age Pension and will vary depending on the level of your HCP. While a provider may ask you to pay a basic daily fee, not all providers do.
If you are paying a basic daily fee, this amount will be added on top of the Government subsidy, increasing the total funds available in your package budget. So if the provider you choose doesn't charge you this fee, you may not have as much package funding available for care.
With the income tested care fee, it is an extra contribution that you may need to pay. However, this is entirely dependent on your income assessment and can differ from person to person. You will not need to pay an income tested care fee if you have income under a certain amount.
If you want extra care or services from your provider that aren't covered in your package, you can agree to additional service fees, however, this is not subsidised by the Government as it is a direct agreement with your provider.
These home care fees will likely be paid by you on a fortnightly or monthly basis.
You are able to negotiate with providers on home care fees and agree to the rate you will be charged for services. This should be outlined in your care plan.
The funding for your package can only be claimed from the Government on your behalf by an approved Home Care Package provider and they need to provide you with regular statements outlining how the money is being used.
Private providers can also deliver home care services however these are not subsidised by the Government and you will have to pay for all services out of your own pocket.
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I’ve been assessed for short-term care: If you are eligible for short-term care, you don’t have to complete a means assessment. You may have to pay a daily fee, but how much you may pay varies depending on the type and level of short-term care you will receive.
There are a few things to keep in mind for each type of short-term care:
Short-term restorative care: You may have to pay a daily fee—whether you receive care at home, in the community, or in an aged care home.
Transition care Providers can request information regarding your ability to make a contribution (within reason). However, your access to transition care will not be affected by your ability to pay fees.
Respite care:
Residential respite When you receive residential respite care in an aged care home, you won’t have accommodation payments or a means-tested care fee. However, you will be asked to pay a basic daily fee and sometimes a booking fee.
The level of care you have been approved for will:
- determine the level of respite subsidy your provider will receive, and
- ensure you receive care appropriate to your needs.
What you pay for residential respite care is discussed and agreed upon between you and the provider, and is set before you receive the services.
Community respite If you’re eligible for community respite, it will be provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), so the fees you pay fall under the CHSP guidelines. This is usually a daily fee.
Emergency respite: If you need emergency respite care, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Further information on emergency respite is available on the Carer Gateway website.
Learn more
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What will aged care look like in five years?
It has been a tumultuous 18 months in aged care with COVID-19 providing a stark look into the sector's areas of failure and where the system falls short.
Posted 4 days ago August 2021 by Liz Alderslade
The Government's five year plan:
The Government's plan for aged care, unveiled at the same time as the May Federal Budget, consisted of five different pillars -
- home care,
- residential aged care services and sustainability,
- residential aged care quality and safety,
- workforce, and
- governance - and has been budgeted at $17.7 billion.
This plan scopes out the different reforms and strategies for each pillar and when they will be rolled out each year.
For instance, the Government has released 40,000 extra home care packages, a new supplement for nutrition of $10 per resident per day, up to 120,000 additional General Practitioner services through the Aged Care Access Incentive, up to 6,000 new personal care workers in workplaces, and has started to establish a Council of Elders. These are just a few of the reforms the Government has intended to implement by the end of the year.
The Government believes that once they reach the end of the Five Pillar, Five Year plan, they will have successfully made a "once in a generation reform" of the aged care sector.
You can see the full plan on the Government Health website.
Myths about in home care
Home care is a growing area of the aged care sector but often older Australians and their families are unaware of the many different options available to them or are hesitant because of the assumptions they have about what is involved.
Key points:
- Home care can enhance your independence in the home and in your community
- Providers of home care can accommodate for the needs of people with dementia
- Being old or sick isn't the only reason to accept home care, some people like the extra helping hand around the home
Receiving help at home can give you more time or provide extra assistance to do the things you love. [Source: Shutterstock]. For many older people, home care can be the difference between staying at home or moving into an aged care. Understanding how home care works and dispelling any misconceptions around home care can make the transition to accepting home care all the more easier for people looking at it as an option.
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Allied health to assist with the ageing experience
Last Updated at October 25th 2021
There are many allied health services that work within the aged care sector which are vital to improving or maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people receiving aged care services or in the community.
INFO - There are many allied health services that work within the aged care sector which are vital to improving or maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people receiving aged care services or in the community.
Read the article here
How the Home Care package programme operates:
Unspent home care funds now at $1.2b
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/home-care-packages-program-operational-manual-a-guide-for-home-care-providers.pdf
by Judy Skatssoon January 27, 2021
Do scroll down and read the comments. MOST informative. Will give you thoughts for how YOU can spend your Home Care package.
How much can home care cost?
The Australian Government subsidises the delivery of home care services and packages. However, if you can afford to, you are expected to contribute to the cost of your care.
Extra supplements available under Home Care Packages
Ageing in your own home is your right and the Government provides additional financial support to assist with that goal. Especially if you have special care needs that may require additional funding to manage it.
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New aged care regulation: Why falls and medication management must be reported from July 1
From July 1, 2021, aged care providers will be required to report on falls and medication management for the first time as part of the government’s compulsory quality indicator reporting, adding to reporting on pressure injuries, use of physical restraint and unplanned weight loss, which have been mandatory since 2019.
The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program) was introduced in 2019 to help aged care providers measure, monitor, compare and improve the quality of their services. Collecting the data means providers can identify trends in their services over time and compare themselves against national averages. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website states that giving providers this ability “will lead to an even better quality of care and quality of life for consumers”.
Meals and shopping assistance
During your older years, good food and nutrition is really important, which is why extra assistance to make sure you can get the nutrients you need for your body can make all the difference.
Key points:
- If you are struggling to go grocery shopping or make meals, there are services that can help
- You may be eligible to receive assistance through Government funded services
- There are many different options you can choose from to assist with your meals and shopping
There are many websites available that provide resources to assist with making meals and provide information on nutrition. [Source: Shutterstock]If you are facing barriers that prevent you from getting to the shops, struggling to carry shopping bags, or having difficulty preparing and cooking your own meals there is assistance available to help with these daily tasks.
Support programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), a Government-funded Home Care Package (HCP), or help from private providers can ensure you are able to access essential resources.1 January 2022
What assistance can I receive?
Meal and shopping services could provide:
- Grocery shopping, food preparation and/or cooking
- Transport to and from the shops
- Meal delivery
- Food subscription services
- Cooking programs
- Diet, nutrition, food storage and food safety
- Feeding
- Special dietary requirements for health, religious, cultural and other reasons
- Shopping for items like clothes and gifts, etc
Even some 'retail therapy' can be accommodated through these assistive services. For example, a support worker can be with you when you visit a department store to shop for clothing or any gifts you need. Or they can assist you at the post office when you are paying your bills.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
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Choosing between home care or aged care
INFO - At some point, you and your family will need to discuss what is the best option for your ongoing care. The two choices you are likely to discuss is whether home care or aged care is the best decision for you.
When should I consider help at home?
How to have “the home care talk” with your parents
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Oct 25, 2021 NEWS
Plea to home care providers: “Stop the rorting and introduce pricing caps”
A Private Members’ Bill that will cap the amount of money age care providers will be allowed to charge for “administration” to deliver care in the home to older Australians is being introduced today by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.
The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
“The vast majority of survey respondents, some 94%, said they were unable to afford daily care, which I find staggering,” Rebekha said.
“Many of those surveyed reported paying administration and management fees of up to 48 or 50%, including on packages that are very minimal.
“Some of these people were only able to afford one hour of cleaning or gardening a fortnight, and their care plans have hardly changed from one year to another, but they were still being charged up to 50% in administration fees.
Many of those surveyed reported paying administration and management fees of up to 48 or 50%, including on packages that are very minimal.
“Some of these people were only able to afford one hour of cleaning or gardening a fortnight, and their care plans have hardly changed from one year to another, but they were still being charged up to 50% in administration fees. The Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021, if approved by Federal Parliament, will stop providers from charging any more than 25% in administration for Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages, and no more than 20% for Level 3 and 4.
“My Bill will cap fees and it will make more funding available for actual care in the home.” The Bill will also ban exit fees to change home care providers, and it will require home care providers to offer potential clients a comparative fee schedule for at least five approved providers in their area.
If there are fewer than five providers in the region, the schedule must show fees for all approved providers in the area.
NAVIGATING AGED CARE AND DISABILITY SUPPORT DURING COVID-19
ADA Australia advocates have been supporting people to navigate and resolve issues with their aged care and disability supports, which have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here they share their collective knowledge about the measures currently in place to help older people and people with disability to manage their support arrangements during this time.
Here are the key things you should know.
- Residential aged care homes cannot ban visitors, unless there is a state-issued health directive specifically imposing restriction
- You, or your loved one, can temporarily move out of an aged care home at any time
- Aged care residents can choose to access external medical advice if they wish
- NDIS packages now have more flexibility
- People with disability arriving in Queensland should consider their requirements for quarantine.
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
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Staying at home for longer
Your home environment should always make you feel safe and comfortable, and having a place that you enjoy living can be really important to your mental wellbeing.
Sometimes all you need to do to stay safely at home are these basic changes:
BASIC CHANGES TO YOUR HOME
Click on each area to view the room illustration: Living room, Bedroom, Kitchen, Dining room, Bathroom, Laundry...
You want your loved one to feel at Home. To feel safe and comfortable in their own home, even though sometimes they might not remember where things are or how to do things eg. Finding the toilet bowl...
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https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/what-do-i-need-to-prepare-for-my-age-pension-application
- To access the Age Pension, you will need to have a myGov account or Centrelink online account set up, however, you can apply in person
- You'll need to provide different financial and personal documentation to back up your Age Pension claim
- You can track your claim through your myGov account or Centrelink online account after you send off your application
1300 186 688
There are a lot of financial and personal documents you need to have ready for your Age Pension application. [Source: Shutterstock]You will need to provide information about yourself and your personal situation as well as a lot of financial documentation, like tax returns and bank, superannuation and investment statements.
Once you have all the documents filled out and signed and collate together all your personal documentation, you can then begin the application process.
What you need before startingYou will need to have a myGov account and Centrelink online account before you apply for the Age Pension. Your Centrelink account needs to be linked to your myGov account to get this process started. This is similar to how your Australian Taxation Office (ATO) account is linked to your myGov account.
If you don't have internet access or computer, there is information below on how you can apply for the Age Pension.
Before you start your claim, you will need to confirm your identity with Centrelink. This could be with a passport or photo ID in person or provide one document across three different categories over the phone.
These documents can be talked through over the phone or supplied online, however, if Centrelink can't validate it, you will need to go in person.
You will also need to fill out your Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form (SA002) and Income and Assets form (SA369), and upload or post it to Centrelink, or you can fill it out online.
It's best to have all the required documentation ready before you sit down to fill out these forms.
If you are wanting to make a joint Age Pension claim with your partner, they also need to have all of their financial and personal information prepared as well.
Council services for elderly residents
Your local Council provides a range of services besides their local Government duties, including services that benefit older people in their communities.
Key points:
- Many Councils provide Government funded programs to older people in their community
- Services may differ from Council to Council
- Council operated community centres are great places to experience different activities or events
Your local Council may provide a range of extra services that can help you with day to day life. [Source: Shutterstock]Depending on your local Council, they can provide a range of services and supports that assist you in living independently, actively and socially within your community.
Certain Councils may be approved to deliver Government funded programs, like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Package (HCP) services. While other Councils provide a variety of support services, activities and events to keep their local senior citizens engaged in the community they love.
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Options while waiting for a Home Care Package
So you have been accepted for a Home Care Package (HCP) and have been advised you are on the waiting list?
What next?
Key points:
- If you are eligible, you may be able to receive temporary access to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or an interim package
- Some people utilise private home care providers while they are waiting for their HCP
- While you are waiting for your package, it can be a good time to look at what providers would best suit your needs once you have access to your HCP
There are a number of options you can consider to access care while you are waiting for your package to become available. [Source: Shutterstock] Any available HCPs are held in a national 'pool'. Once approved for a package you will be placed in a queue based on priority, personal needs and how long you've been waiting for care, and you will be allocated supports once you get to the front of this queue.
With a lot of demand for HCP unfortunately this means it may take some time before you can begin accessing the benefits of your HCP.
The expected wait time for a HCP is nine to 12 months for a level 2, 3 or 4 HCP (May 2021) with nearly 97,000 people waiting for their turn (December 2020).
The Government recently invested in more HCPs in the 2021/22 Budget - 40,000 will be released in 2021-22 and another 40,000 HCPs will be released in 2022-23 - bringing the available HCPs up to 275,598 by June 2023.
While this will assist in reducing the wait time for a HCP, it will still take two years to fully roll out.
There are a number of options to consider to access care while you are waiting for your package to become available.
Temporary access to the CHSP
You can discuss with your assessor whether there is the option to access assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to have some temporary services put in place while you wait for your HCP.
Getting access to CHSP is a much quicker process than a HCP.
The assessor will determine if this option is the best for you, as the CHSP only provides entry level home care assistance. You will need to pay towards some of the services, but the Government will subsidise most of the help you receive.
You can receive low level services for garden and home maintenance assistance, cleaning around the home and food preparation, basic personal care and nursing services, and much more.
The government has released a new data table
Revealing the median cost of common home care services across Australia, which it hopes will act as a carrot to improve service offerings and a stick against unjustified charges.
Richard Colbeck 18 May 2021
Older Australians and their families will also be able to get an idea of standard pricing to help them make decisions about whether a provider’s prices are fair, says aged care services minister Richard Colbeck.
The table shows median prices for -
- nursing,
- in-home respite,
- personal care and
- cleaning,
- as well as package and management.
Face-to-face aged care navigation support to be rolled out following successful trial:
NEWS - The Federal Government will be making face-to-face support available for older Australians that need help navigating the aged care system in the future following a positive trial report.
Read the article here
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Home care providers do need to be aware of this
upcoming change on 1 February 2021 and 1 September 2021
Improved Payment Arrangements for Home Care
07 October 2020
The changes to how we pay home care subsidies and supplements to providers will occur in 2 phases. Instead of paying the total in advance, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will hold unspent funds for care recipients. This is in line with other Government-funded programs.
What will change?
The way the Australian Government pays Home Care Packages Program subsidies and supplements to providers will change.
Instead of paying the full subsidy and supplements in advance each month, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will make changes in 2 phases. This will not affect care recipients' subsidy entitlements.
Phase 1 – 1 February 2021
In phase 1, we will pay home care subsidies in arrears each month. This is planned to begin on 1 February 2021.
We will continue to pay the full amount, regardless of the services provided in the past month. Providers will continue to hold unspent funds on behalf of their care recipients. There will be no change to how they manage unspent funds. *
* Unspent funds are the total amount of subsidy and fees you have received on behalf of a person that have not been spent.
Phase 2 – 1 September 2021
In phase 2, subject to legislation passing, the payments will be for actual services provided. The Australian Government will hold any unspent Commonwealth funds. These funds will continue to be available to care recipients when needed.
This is planned to begin on 1 September 2021.
Why are these changes important?
These changes align home care with other Government-funded programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as well as modern business practices.
These changes will move the responsibility for holding care recipients’ Australian Government paid portion of unspent funds from the provider to the Australian Government.
This will reduce the prudential risk in home care over time, and improve protections for care recipients’ home care funds as the program grows. These changes are better suited to the service delivery, consumer-directed care nature Home Care Packages Program.
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Now is the time to prepare for the 3G shutdown
by Advertiser June 10, 2021
With the coverage and capacity of 3G networks being increasingly impacted leading up to the 3G network shutdown in 2024, providers should be planning an upgrade of their systems now, writes David Waldie.
David Waldie As a care technology provider to over 7000 Australians across the country, we’re aware of the large number of providers using assistive technologies such as medical alarms based on 3G cellular networks. Telstra had been running its 3G services in the 850MHz and 2100MHz radio frequency spectrum bands, but shut down its 2100MHz services early in 2019 to provide more capacity for its 4GX network. Telstra’s 850MHz 3G services will be shut down mid 2024 to free up the radiofrequency spectrum that the carrier will use to support next-generation 5G services.
In a similar vein, Optus is planning to reallocate its 2100 MHz spectrum currently used for 3G services to its 4G and 5G networks in April next year. Optus will no longer offer a dual-band 3G network after April 2022, with 3G services to be offered through its 900 MHz spectrum only.
The industry body Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) represents monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored medical alarms and Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) throughout Australia. PERSL members have been reporting issues with the coverage of the existing 3G mobile wireless network and that 3G services appear to be degrading across Australia.
Members have experienced pockets of congestion across various parts of the nation, especially during the peak of COVID-19 last year. During periods of 3G network congestion a PERS alarm call to a monitoring centre may not be successful and, although the medical alarm will retry many times, there may be long delays in a user receiving assistance.This clearly has the potential for serious outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
Across Australia, the impacts of congestion on the 3G network are being experienced in Retirement Villages, Aged Care facilities and users in their own homes utilising 3G cellular services, including alarms upgraded from telephone lines to 3G as part of the NBN coordinated Medical Alarms Subsidy Scheme (MASS).
Medical alarms which rely on the 3G network should particularly be used with care, as advised by PERSL. 3G medical alarms should be upgraded to 4G or replaced as soon as possible, well in advance of the 3G shut-down.
Unfortunately there are a number of 3G alarm devices in the market that do not alert the users to issues with their connectivity. Providers run the risk of not being aware of an issue until it’s too late. Some key indicators of possible network congestion include:
- Two-way voice no longer working
- Missing test periods
- Prolonged delays in response from call centre
- Late night / middle of the night calls regarding false alarms
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Government in danger of history repeating with Medicare rebate changes:
By HelloCare Editorial Team
Just weeks before the biggest changes to Medicare in decades, the Federal Government and the private health sector are grappling with the huge number of changes that have only just been released, leading to the potential for chaos for patients.
More than 900 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for rebates for private surgery are set to change on 1 July as part of the MBS Review of all 5,700 Medicare rebates.
The latest changes will affect rebates for orthopaedic surgery, general surgery and heart surgery.
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June 10, 2021 NEWSHEALTH & CARe
Exclusive: $112 million boost to home support services for senior Australians
The Morrison Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to:
- a range of high demand care services,
- including meals,
- transport,
- social support,
- respite,
- gardening and
- cleaning for older Australians, their families and carers.
“Support for aged care providers to deliver additional CHSP services to senior Australians will help address key demand pressures.”
Home care funding reform in 2021
Major reforms to home care funding, which will see the move to a payment in arrears and invoicing system, will be implemented from next year (begins 2021).
Under the reforms, providers will be paid after services have been delivered, rather than being given a lump sum in advance, which has been blamed as a factor in the accumulation of more than $1.1 billion in unspent funds.
Community Care Review understands that in an email to providers on Wednesday the health department said the first phase of the new new system will be implemented from February 1, with the second phase, where providers will need to invoice for services provided, to kick in from September.
Aged care economists say the change is welcome and believe the measure will help put a lid on unspent funds. “This should have a direct consequence on the growing level of unspent funds which, in effect, is underutilised funding that could be allocated for further additional packages,” consultants StewartBrown said in an analysis of this week’s federal budget. However the analysis says while the budget commitment to provide 23,000 new home care packages over the next four years is welcome, it won’t address the problem of unspent funds, which currently average $8,000 per client.
When should I consider help at home?
Many older people brush aside home care assistance until a crisis hits, and they're left with no other choice, often leaving the family to make arrangements in an emergency.
Look for the signs
Requiring home support can happen quite gradually, so you need to keep an eye out for daily tasks you may be struggling with or signs that your older loved one may need an extra hand around the home.
Subtle changes can include:
- Simple daily tasks, like doing the laundry or preparing meals, start to feel overwhelming and hard to do
- Poor personal grooming
- Living space is becoming messier
- Forgetfulness around common daily responsibilities, for example, missing meals, medication times and appointments, or forgetting to pay bills
- Decreased attention to food safety, such as using foods beyond expiry dates
- Avoiding social events or contact with others
- Family and friends are providing more home assistance with everyday tasks
Causes of last minute home care
The above signs should be an encouragement to start looking for support at home options. However, some people may put off home care, leading to more serious reasons for needing home care later on.
You shouldn't wait for a big event to trigger the sudden need for assistance in the home if you can help it.
Some immediate signs that can lead to urgent home care could be:
- Loss of a driver’s licence
- A fall due to reduced mobility
- A hospital stay
- A procedure that results in the need for temporary care
- Older person has a fear of being left alone
- A decline in general health
- You are forgetting where you are or how to get back home
- Family or friends moving away and no one around to help you
Getting in home support can be the best way to assist your daily life, or the life of an older loved one, and continue your current lifestyle in your own home.
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
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Choosing Wisely: What makes a good conversation with a health professional?
1 month ago
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Most Australians want to grow old and receive care in their own homes, research conducted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety shows.
A survey of more than 10,000 Australians reveals that 80 per cent of older people want to remain in their current home and 62 per cent want to receive care services in their own home.
To ensure you or a senior you know can go about their day safely in the home, do a safety audit to check for things such as loose railings, unsteady furniture, trip hazards like rugs and grab rails in the bathroom.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/taking-care-of-yourself-at-home-with-covid-19-restrictions-easing
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NEW: Disability Gateway
The Federal Government has funded the Disability Gateway as the national disability information service. Started 27th January 2021, we suggest you access the Disability Gateway, available on 1800 643 787 or at https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
Welcome to the Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. Watch welcome video
Disability e-news The Department of Social Services provides a regular newsletter with information for people with disability and carer sectors. Read the latest edition of the Disability e-news
https://mailchi.mp/22a9474261e1/disability-enews-informing-the-disability-employment-and-advocacy-sectors-4600431
19 January 2021
Late in 2020, we shared information about the improvements we are making to the NDIS.
You can see the commitments we have made to improve the NDIS in our Service Charter and Participant Improvement Plan, and you can track our progress against them on Participant Service Improvement Plan page.
We want to make sure you get the most up to date information about the improvements as they happen. The best way to do this is by signing up to the NDIS eNewsletter, which comes out each fortnight.
The NDIS eNewsletter is full of the latest news, participant stories and I address some of the common questions and misconceptions I hear about with what is happening with the NDIS.
Sign up for the NDIS eNewsletter today.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. In January 2021 the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started in January 2021 and include a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
What is the Disability Gateway?
The Disability Gateway will:
- improve the navigation to access relevant information and services
- span multiple sectors including health, housing, employment, transport and everyday living
- exist as a central point of entry for referrals to disability information, services and programs
Who is the Disability Gateway for?
The Disability Gateway is for all people with disability, their families and carers.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. This month the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started January 2021 and includes a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
Help us test the Gateway: We are looking for feedback to improve and enhance the Disability Gateway pilot website—we encourage you to log on and explore the site. Feedback buttons are located at the top and bottom right hand sides at Disability Gateway.
You can directly provide your feedback to the Disability Gateway Team at [email protected]
More information
For more information go to Disability Gateway or view our stakeholder kit.
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There are changes being made to ensure the NDIS is simpler, faster, fairer and more flexible. You can have your say on how we deliver these improvements so that they work for everyone. Your feedback is important to us.
Have YOUR say:- https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/have-your-say
12 January 2021
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Plan management is when a provider supports you to manage funding in your NDIS plan. These providers are known as plan managers.
Plan management is different from having the NDIA manage funding in your NDIS plan, or you choosing to self-manage your plan. More information on ways to manage your funding.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding/plan-management
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqQSavgqeq8
NDIS Price Guide is updated regularly by the NDIA. To find the most recent version:- http://ndis.gov.au/priceguidesandpricing
- Price Guide 2020-21 (DOCX 331KB) - effective from 1 March 2021
- Price Guide 2020-21 (PDF 2MB) - effective from 1 March 2021
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Functions of the former Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors have been transferred to new departments.
https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniors
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There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
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Accessing CHSP Funding For Personal Monitoring Technology
https://lifetec.org.au/accessing-chsp-funding-for-personal-monitoring-technology/
Home Care Package care recipients will also be able to use their packages to access personal monitoring services to keep them safe at home.
A range of technology options are available in the private market, and the Department does not recommend any particular brand or device. CHSP service providers will need to source the monitoring equipment themselves with a view to accessing equipment that best meets the needs of the client. The Department of Health notes that in Australia the relevant Standard for personal monitoring technology is AS 4607 (personal response systems). This Standard specifies the minimum performance, design and operation requirements for telecommunications based personal response systems.
To help Home Care Package recipients stay connected with loved ones and their community, Package funds can also be used to:
- Purchase suitable digital technology and video conferencing equipment that meet their needs
- Access assistance in setting up and learning how to use the technology.
Financing a future aged care system
Published 24 June 2020
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the Commission) said from the beginning that they wanted to hear from people directly affected by the work of the Commission, and particularly the consumers of aged care services and their families and carers. COTA has been putting your views to the Commission, by giving evidence at the hearings, being involved in the workshops, and making submissions.
In proposing a complete shakeup of the aged care sector, the Royal Commission has also contemplated how services should be paid for. These options are discussed in their paper, Financing Aged Care. The Commissioners say aged care expenditure will need to increase by between 50% and 100%. So, this brings us to the question of “Who pays?”
Who pays for aged care?
At the moment, aged care is paid for through a mix of pay-as-you-go public funding, sourced through the general taxation system, private contributions in the form of means tested fees and co-payments for certain services, and public and private capital financing.
Australian public and private contributions to aged care have been estimated at about $27 billion in 2018–19.4 This is not all that is spent on the care of older people. In 2015–16, Australia spent around $41.7 billion on the health care needs of older Australians, aged 65 years or over, and $46.4 billion on direct cash welfare payments, including the Age Pension, on top of the $23.0 billion it spent directly on aged care. Welfare related tax concessions worth $40.1 billion were also provided for older Australians.
Currently, the government provides around 75% of funding and consumers provide the remainder. In Australia, aged care spending in Australia is much lower compared to countries with comparable populations. It’s about 1% of GDP.
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Not enough financial transparency: report on aged care provider funds
By: Dallas Bastian in News, Top Stories September 10, 2020
There is insufficient transparency about the use of funds in aged care, says a report on providers’ financial information.
It found large differences in the way in which individual aged care providers structure their operations and the costs they incur such as interest, management fees and rent.
In a statement, the Royal Commissioners into Aged Care Quality and Safety said these expense items can range from 0 per cent to 100 per cent of total expenses for different individual aged care providers.
Download: Research Paper 12 – Report on the profitability and viability of the Australian aged care industry 9 September 2020
We need to have a conversation with the Australian people about what we’re doing with aged care, … for older people to stay at home, even though that’s going to cost quite a bit more than residential care. Now, the cost of that would be substantial. What do we— what are we prepared to pay for and who pays for it? Those are the issues. Now, there are not snappy, easy answers to those questions, but we need a much more honest dialogue about that in the community.
Ian Yates, Chief Executive Officer, COTA
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- Do be aware of the recent changes. These are affecting Home Care providers too. You may find that some of the services have changed, or are no longer...
My Aged Care case management team working with providers
14 May 2020
The government has established a special My Aged Care case management team to link the most vulnerable older people to providers during COVID-19.
The health department’s channel management director Catherine Burkitt told a webinar on Wednesday the team was established in response to the pandemic to help clients with complex needs or lack of family support who are struggling to get the help they need. “The team makes sure they fully understand the client’s needs,” she told an OPAN webinar on navigating aged care services during COVID. “They might link them to appropriate service providers or local organisations and charities; they can talk to service providers on their behalf and follow up with phone calls to check how they’re progressing.”
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
Apply for an assessment online in 3 easy steps
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment. Using the online application is quick and easy and will only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
It’s the same form to apply for all types of care and support – including help at home, short-term care, and care in an aged care home. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. If you’d like to set up an ongoing representative, you can also do that here.
There are three parts. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessor should call to arrange the assessment. You will need your Medicare card and enough time to complete it.
Start now
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Deadline looms for home care agreement reviews
Home care providers who don’t review their clients’ agreements in line with new transparency requirements by the end of this month could find themselves in hot water.
The government last year introduced new rules requiring home care providers to publish pricing schedules and price lists on My Aged Care, charge all new clients those fees and provide them with a pricing list. The new rules also required prices to factor in reasonable admin costs including office rent, insurance and marketing, which could no longer be charged separately.
For information about the Home Care Package Pricing Tool contact [email protected] or 1300 111 636.
New requirements for existing clients
From July, the same requirements will apply to clients who were receiving services before last July.
Sean Rooney https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/06/16/deadline-looms-for-home-care-agreement-reviews/
Providers will have to review their agreement with these clients in line with the published pricing schedule and include a copy.
“If you do not meet these requirements the Department of Health may take compliance action,” the government warns.
In reviewing agreements, provider are obliged to provide adequate information and make sure clients understand how the changes will impact on them.
However, providers will not be able to make the changes without the agreement of clients but will have to negotiate an agreement that suits both parties, the department says.
LASA CEO Sean Rooney warns that the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has been monitoring providers and has informed the peak that some are not meeting full pricing transparency rules. “The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audits of home care providers indicate they are asking for client financial statements and reviewing financial governance arrangements,” said Mr Rooney.
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INTRODUCING ADA LAW, OUR NEW COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
https://adalaw.com.au/
ADA Australia’s human rights advocacy service will now operate as ADA Law, a registered Community Legal Service. As a Community Legal Service, we can now provide legal advice and representation in addition to advocacy services for guardianship and administration matters.
As ADA Law, ADA Australia can provide a valuable human rights legal and advocacy service to support adults whose capacity is in question or who have a cognitive impairment when they are:
- seeking to review, change, or revoke:
- decision makers appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
- Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Advance Health Directives
- needing support to work with their existing decision makers
- appearing at Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) hearings for ECT applications; Forensic Order Reviews; (or Treatment Authorities under 18 years of age); and are referred by Legal Aid Queensland.
Call ADA Law on 1800 ADA LAW (1800 232 529), or visit the website at www.adalaw.com.au
Meet Karen Williams, ADA Law’s Principal Solicitor, in The Advocate Spotlight.
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Advanced care planning for people
It’s not something that people like to think of, but there may come a time when you’re not able to express your wants when it comes to health care. Planning for this means you’ll be treated the way you want.
Key points:
- An Advance Care Directive sets in stone your wishes when it comes to health care
- A substitute decision-maker will make sure your wishes are followed if you can’t
- For some people, they may not be able to complete an Advance Care Directive, but there are other ways to have their wishes met
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning can offer a sense of control as it allows people to speak up about what matters most to them when it comes to planning for any future medical treatment and other care needs.
Advance care planning is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for older people, people with disability, people who live with a chronic illness, early cognitive impairment or multiple diseases, or are approaching the end of their life.
Planning your care means that family members, loved ones and doctors can know your wishes which helps them make decisions that respect your wishes and preferences.
Advance care planning involves:
- Completing an Advance Care Directive
- Appointing a substitute decision-maker
Creating an Advance Care Directive
An Advance Care Directive (ACD) is a legal document that allows someone over the age of 18 to set in stone their decisions about any future medical treatment and healthcare including values, either cultural or religious, and wishes.
For example, some people include ‘do not resuscitate’ orders in their ACD as they may be concerned about how their body recovers after they are resuscitated.
When creating an ACD, it’s best to have a discussion with your family, health care providers and even your friends about your wishes and your reasons for making your decisions. This is so that those around you can be on the same page about what you want.
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor about any underlying disability or illness and any other relevant conditions you need to consider when preparing your ACD.
You should consider asking questions about things like the expected trajectory of your illness and how this might impact your future quality of life.
When selecting someone to be a substitute decision-maker one of the best safeguards is to appoint a person that you can trust and then inform them of your health care preferences. As well as supply them a copy of your Advance Care Directive.
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Your first stop:
This section gives you easy access to all the My Aged Care brochures, forms, checklists and other documents that are located within My Aged Care website. Some are also available in other languages.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/resources
Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual for Home Care Package consumers
Version 1 – March 2020
Last updated March 2020
1.1 Helping you stay at home
The Australian Government funds a range of aged care services delivered in the community to support senior Australians to live independently in their own home for as long as possible.
These are:
entry level home support – ongoing or short-term entry level services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme;
more coordinated support at home - coordinated support packages that address your care needs and goals through the Home Care Packages Program.
There are four levels of packages ranging from low care needs to high care needs. You can plan for your future by thinking about your aged care needs and personal goals early. Planning ahead improves your ability to live independently and to have your wishes respected when the time comes to access aged care services. Having these conversations with your family, doctor and other support people will ensure you are better prepared for the future. My Aged Care has further information on how to start planning for your future aged care needs. The My Aged Care website is www.myagedcare.gov.au.
What does the manual contain?
This manual is for the Home Care Packages Program, which enables coordinated support at home. The manual is a part of a suite of information resources including:
‘Your pathway to accessing a home care package’ brochure;
‘Your guide to Home Care Package services’ booklet; and
fact sheets and other information that may be of interest.
* * * * You can find all of these resources by going to https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/resources scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and selecting “Resources” under “Further Information”. This manual has the most detailed information on the Home Care Packages Program. It takes you through the Home Care Packages Program from how to access a Home Care Package, what costs are involved and the care and support you can receive. You can also speak to your provider for more information.
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
Apply for an assessment online in 3 easy steps
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment. Using the online application is quick and easy and will only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
It’s the same form to apply for all types of care and support – including help at home, short-term care, and care in an aged care home. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. If you’d like to set up an ongoing representative, you can also do that here.
There are three parts. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessor should call to arrange the assessment. You will need your Medicare card and enough time to complete it.
Start now
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual for Home Care Package consumers
Version 1 - 1 March 2020 Helping you stay at home
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/operational-manual-for-home-care-package-consumers.pdf
The Australian Government funds a range of aged care services delivered in the community to support senior Australians to live independently in their own home for as long as possible. These are:
entry level home support – ongoing or short-term entry level services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme;
more coordinated support at home - coordinated support packages that address your care needs and goals through the Home Care Packages Program.
There are four levels of packages ranging from low care needs to high care needs. You can plan for your future by thinking about your aged care needs and personal goals early. Planning ahead improves your ability to live independently and to have your wishes respected when the time comes to access aged care services. Having these conversations with your family, doctor and other support people will ensure you are better prepared for the future. My Aged Care has further information on how to start planning for your future aged care needs. The My Aged Care website is www.myagedcare.gov.au.
1.2 What does the manual contain?
This manual is for the Home Care Packages Program, which enables coordinated support at home. The manual is a part of a suite of information resources including:
‘Your pathway to accessing a home care package’ brochure;
‘Your guide to Home Care Package services’ booklet; and fact sheets and other information that may be of interest.
You can find all of these resources by going to www.myagedcare.gov.au, scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and selecting “Resources” under “Further Information”. This manual has the most detailed information on the Home Care Packages Program. It takes you through the Home Care Packages Program from how to access a Home Care Package, what costs are involved and the care and support you can receive.
You can also speak to your provider for more information. Last updated March 2020 Page 8 of 105 This manual contains 1800 numbers you can contact for further assistance. Calls to 1800 numbers are generally free when made from a landline. All calls made from mobile phones are charged at the rates applicable to each telephone provider.
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eFriend is for all Australians aged 18 and over. Sometimes we all will need a friendly ear and someone to help us through hard times. At times we all feel lonely, isolated, anxious or distressed. At these times eFriend can help. Please register now for your free sessions.
https://efriend.org.au/
Older Aussies get dedicated pandemic support line
By: Dallas Bastian in News, Top Stories April 23, 2020
Senior Australians, their families and carers who seek help or advice about navigating the coronavirus pandemic now have access to a dedicated free call support line. The support line will operate Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am to 6pm. It can be reached on 1800 171 866.
The phone line was set up by the government in conjunction with COTA Australia, National Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network and Dementia Australia.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck urged Australians to make use of support if they are feeling lonely, distressed, troubled or confused. OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said the hotline will provide particular support to those accessing aged care services who are disproportionately impacted by health precautions and restrictions. “People are scared and confused,” Gear said. “Many are unsure what is safe and what isn’t. The hotline is an important part of what will need to be a big community response. We need everyone checking in and supporting older people in aged care in particular because they are vulnerable to both the virus and social isolation.”
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Video calls during social isolation may make no difference to the quality of life of older people, a review of scientific studies suggests.
The evidence from these three studies suggests that video calls have little to no effect on loneliness after three, six or 12 months. There is also little to no difference in symptoms of depression after three or six months, although after a year, older people who used video calls may have had a small reduction in depression compared to those who received usual care. Similarly, video calls may make little to no difference to older people’s quality of life.
A Cochrane Rapid Review, Video calls for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people, will come as small comfort to many after mobile technology was widely touted as a way of countering loneliness in older people forced in to isolation during COVID-19 restrictions.
The authors of the review looked at three studies involving more than 200 participants aged 65 and over who used internet video calls on computers tablets or smartphones.
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Government To Conduct Welfare Checks On Those Deferring Home Care
By The Hon Richard Colbeck. Apr 8, 2020
Welfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said home care recipients who had suspended services to avoid the risk of contracting the virus would now receive phone calls to ensure their wellbeing.
“We don’t want people to fall through the cracks,” Minister Colbeck said. “Elderly people who receive home care visits are often extremely vulnerable.
“It’s clear some Senior Australians are anxious about the risks of visits from providers.
“Of course, it’s their choice to receive or not receive care – but we remain determined to ensure those who need support are still receiving it.”
Minister Colbeck said it was another measure to ensure Senior Australians received the support they needed during a difficult time.
BEFORE you make any decision, do contact your preferred Provider to find out how they are handling the changes. You may even come up with a suggestion of your own!!!
- My Hospitals - Learn about your local hospital with this handy website. Search and compare performance information for more than 1,000 Australian public and private hospitals.
Everyday impacts of a variety of losses on carers and their loved ones are often just under the radar of awareness yet have profound emotional effects. In this workshop we talk about a less-commonly understood type of grief that carers experience where there is no finality, or community acknowledgement or rituals to support their grieving process. Also we focus on coping strategies and the transforming power of grief.
Under the move, these disability-related supports include:
- respiratory,
- nutrition
- and continence supports
- and supports to manage epilepsy,
- pressure wounds,
- swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
- and podiatry.
The Council also agreed the Hospital Discharge Delay Action Plan will help promote the timely discharge of NDIS participants from public hospitals.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and State and Territory health departments will develop aligned communications to implement the collaboration of funded disability-related health supports by the NDIS and health systems.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Summer Foundation, Luke Bo’sher says, “The decision to fund disability-related health supports under the NDIS will go a long way towards addressing major gaps that people with high and complex disabilities are experiencing when trying to access essential supports."
03 July 2019
- Healthdirect - Free health and medical advice website you can count on.
· A GP (for general/referrals/other Health Services ) - go to the HealthShare.com.au
Make better health choices - Search for a health professional, specialty or health topic.
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- Search over 370+ health topics SEARCH HEALTH TOPICS
- Get free answers to your health questions ASK A QUESTION
Contact your GP doctor, mental health practitioner or midwife by phone, especially if you have cold or flu symptoms and explain your situation.
What is a telehealth video consultation? Telehealth video consultation patient pamphlet (DOCX 65 KB)
A telehealth video consultation is a consultation between a patient and their GP (or practice nurse/Aboriginal health worker) at one location and a specialist located at another location.
Advantages of telehealth video consultations
Every patient’s situation is different but in general, the benefits of this service include:
- improved access to specialist care
- reduced waiting time to see your specialist
- reduced travel time and costs
- reduced absence from work.
How can I have a telehealth video consultation with my specialist?
To have a telehealth video consultation with your specialist, you must be referred by your GP and the clinicians must consider it safe and suitable for you. Not all specialists offer telehealth video consultations – your GP will discuss options with you.
Do I have to participate?
No. You are able to attend a face-to-face consultation with your specialist if you prefer. A telehealth video consultation will only happen if your clinicians consider it safe and suitable and you are happy to participate in a telehealth video consultation.
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NPS MedicineWise podcast
This new, regular podcast from NPS MedicineWise helps health professionals stay up to date with the latest evidence for medicines, tests and treatments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 1: Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19 - listen at https://www.nps.org.au/coronavirus
In this episode, we look at emerging evidence for the use of hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19, and whether it is actually a ‘miracle drug’ that will save lives during this pandemic.
14 May 2020
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Pay more attention to depression as a side-effect of many medications, researchers say.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/second-opinion-depression-as-a-medication-side-effect-1.4710868
A new U.S. study serves as a "very important reminder" that depression is a possible side-effect of many common medications, especially when patients are taking more than one of them, the Canadian Pharmacists Association says. "I think it's something that we don't always think about," said Phil Emberley, the association's director of practice advancement and research, and a pharmacist in Ottawa.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia University in New York — including a pharmacist and and psychiatrist — looked at data gathered from more than 26,000 adults in a national health survey conducted from 2005-2006 and from 2013-2014.
The researchers catalogued what medications their subjects were taking at the time, as well as how many depressive symptoms they displayed (based on a self-reporting tool commonly used for diagnosing depression). They found about one-third of the people in the study were taking at least one medication for which depression is listed as a potential side-effect. Those drugs include some types of blood pressure medications, beta blockers, birth control pills, proton pump inhibitors, anticonvulsants, painkillers and corticosteroids. "People are taking a lot of drugs and a lot of these meds have depression as an adverse effect," Qato said. "One to two per cent risk of depression, perhaps, for most of these medications, but when they're taken together in a real-world setting, it really matters."
'It's something we don't always think about,' Canadian pharmacist says of U.S. study findings.
Nicole Ireland · CBC News · Posted: Jun 18, 2018 | Last Updated: June 19, 2018.
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http://pbs.gov.au/browse/changes
1 July 2021 new listings wrap-up - a wrap-up of medicines newly listed or changed on the PBS on 1 July 2021.
and for those frequently asked Questions:- http://pbs.gov.au/info/general/faq
http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/news/
5 July 2021
What's changed?
From 30 April 2020, four antibiotics listed on the PBS General Schedule (Section 85) had changes made to their listings and new listings added for the treatment of a range of infections, such as acute cystitis, streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis and periorbital cellulitis.
The antibiotics include:
- amoxicillin
- amoxicillin + clavulanic acid
- cefalexin
- roxithromycin.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) http://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
This website contains information on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme including details of the medicines subsidised by the Australian Government as well as information for consumers, carers, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. The PBS is part of Australia’s broader National Medicines Policy.
30 July 2020
The PBS Safety Net protects patients and their families requiring a large number of PBS or RPBS items. For the purposes of the scheme, the family includes the person:
- the partner or de facto partner;
- children under the age of 16 who are in the care and control of the person; or
- dependent full-time students under the age of 25.
Fees, Patient Contributions and Safety Net Thresholds
The following fees, patient contributions and safety net thresholds apply as at 1 September 2019 and are included, where applicable, in prices published in the Schedule --
Dispensing Fees: Ready-prepared $7.39
Dangerous drug fee $3.11
Extemporaneously-prepared $9.43
Allowable additional patient charge* $4.53
Additional Fees (for safety net prices): Ready-prepared $1.25
Extemporaneously-prepared $1.61
Patient Co-payments: General $40.30
Concessional $6.50
Safety Net Thresholds: General $1550.70
Concessional $390.00
Safety Net Card Issue Fee: $10.10
* The allowable additional patient charge is a discretionary charge to general patients if a pharmaceutical item has a dispensed price for maximum quantity less than the general patient co-payment. The pharmacist may charge general patients the allowable additional fee but the fee cannot take the cost of the prescription above the general patient co-payment for the medicine. This fee does not count towards the Safety Net threshold.
PBS Latest News
7 May 2021
Subscribe to receive email notification of news and updated publications.
https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/industry/pricing/price-disclosure-spd
Medicine Shortages Information Initiative
There are a number of medicines that are in short supply in Australia at present. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) publishes information about shortages of reportable medicines in Australia, including those arising from the discontinuation of products. For more information click here.
01 October 2020
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- Search the Gold Coast Community Directory for community services and facilities available in your local area.
You can view, print and download your customised search results or a location map of services and facilities for free.
https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Queensland/Gold_Coast/
- and also look at Senior Residents on the Gold Coast for a range of services.
- Initiatives and programs: 122 results: Australian Government Department of Health - We're working on a range of policy initiatives, programs and campaigns to help improve your health and the health of all Australians.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Developers Gain Enhanced Access to Supercomputers Federal agencies, academic institutions, and industrial partners are joining forces to combat COVID-19 using artificial intelligence.
Lisa Winter Mar 27, 2020 - healthdirect Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker
Answer questions about your symptoms to see if you need to seek medical help or get tested. This tool is available online at any time.
25 March 2020
What are the Symptoms? https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51048366
25 September 2020 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance
This infographic provides a quick view of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Australia. Updated every afternoon based on the data we receive by 3.00pm from states and territories. - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - =
15 April 2020
The federal government has teamed with Australia’s largest online workforce platform to provide a temporary surge workforce for providers who lose staff as a result of COVID-19. Mable was established in 2014 to connect care and support workers with people in the community and has previously linked older Australians and people with disability to support workers under consumer directed care.
Richard ColbeckIt is now opening up its 8,000-strong online workforce to approved residential aged care providers to recruit workers in nursing, allied health and personal care. Home and CHSP providers, and community services like Meals on Wheels, will also be able to use the platform for domestic help and social services.
CEO Peter Scutt says Mable anticipates expanding it’s community of workers as well as adding volunteers as a category for organisations who rely on unpaid work. “It’s unclear how much we need to grow the workforce by, we’re going to see how demand transpires during this COVID period and we’ll also be looking at supply and demand as we go forward,” he told Community Care Review.
Mable will also provide online training through its training hub for people who may have been stood down or lost their jobs in other industries such as hospitality or aviation.
Filling gaps
Aged care minister Richard Colbeck says the measure will help fill any gaps that may emerge due to illness, self-isolation or personal caring duties affecting staff. The Government will pay the costs of eligible approved providers for engaging the workforce through Mable for four weeks, he told Community Care Review.
He stressed Mable will only provide a temporary workforce and providers will have to show they’ve exhausted all other recruitment options.
“If a home care package provider urgently needs a personal care worker to deliver home care services or a residential provider requires a registered nurse and they have been unable to find a resource using their existing channels, they can use this service to get an appropriately skilled person to deliver the services they need for a short time,” Senator Colbeck said. “This is designed to fill an immediate gap while the aged care provider finds a longer-term solution, which includes staff returning from isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19.”
The surge workforce is among a suite of measures announced by the minister over the weekend, including emergency response teams, remote locums and a grant scheme to reimburse eligible aged care providers for expenditure incurred managing the direct impacts of COVID-19.
Providers won’t be able to claim staff recruited from the temporary surge workforce from the Aged Care Support Program.
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Mable support worker Jo Calabria likes the freedom Mable offers. She can set her own rates and pick and choose her own schedule. “I control when I change that hourly rate… [other] companies set their own rates and how much they pay you, whereas on Mable I’m able to factor in my expenses. “The app is good in the sense of being able to clock in and out of my shifts and be able to see jobs that have popped up,” she says.
“[Users] specifically looked at your profile and they’ve picked you, so you know you’re going into a home because they’ve picked you.”
Mable’s model shares traits with gig economy apps such as Uber and the many food delivery businesses that have popped up as technology has evolved, and these companies are often criticised for the pay and rights afforded to workers.
There’s enormous opportunity for them to earn more, with the potential for consumers to pay less, and for people to offer the services that they’re passionate about. And so, there’s lots of workers that are earning very good rates off the platform, supporting clients and choosing them around services they’re passionate about supplying. And our model is really to unlock the potential of people that do incredibly important work, and allow them to take on responsibility and to be rewarded for that.” “So I think each platform solves a different problem, operates in a different model. But ours, we are very much, truly enabling people to run their own small business, and make all decisions about their business.”
The government strategy will be funded as part of the $101.2 million made available for Age Care measures – part of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion support package announced on March 11, 2020.
https://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/2020/04/government-teams-up-with-tech-company-to-shore-up-aged-care-workforce/
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Home Care Providers - Actions you need to take, like NOW...
https://communitycarereview.com.au/sponsoredcontent/covid-19s-double-whammy-for-providers/
08 April 2020
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/03/27/technologys-role-in-overhauling-the-aged-care-sector/
of the Home Care Packages Program.
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Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
30 January 2020 by Liz Alderslade
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
All Guides to Aged Care - just click on what YOU want to know NOW:-
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/all
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Keep informed:
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources. You can access more information from:
Australian Government website
World Health Organization
Wellways - Help for Carers
- Office locations
Wellways - https://www.wellways.org/covid-19
NDIS website
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
10 July 2020
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to coronavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the carers line on 132 717.
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eSafety courses to keep Senior Australians connected during COVID-19
24 April 2020
A joint media release with The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, about free webinars to help improve the online skills of Senior Australians as they increasingly turn to the internet to access online services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free daytime webinars are now available to help improve the online skills of Senior Australians as they increasingly turn to the internet to access online services and connect with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These online courses are being delivered by the eSafety Commissioner as part of the Federal Government’s “Be Connected” initiative, aimed at empowering all Australians to develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.
Hosted by professional eSafety Commissioner trainers, the courses will offer participants guidance to help build basic online skills and confidence required to carry out video chats, telehealth, shopping and banking.
The classes commenced 24 April 2020, and feature key topics specifically for remaining connected while social distancing measures are in place, including:
- Video chatting with family, friends and health professionals;
- Ordering groceries and other shopping essentials online for home delivery;
- Carrying out everyday tasks online, including accessing essential services; and
- Accessing Federal Government information updates from australia.gov.au and the Coronavirus Australia app
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Quick Contacts:
High Priority is defined as:
Client is considered at urgent and immediate risk in terms of their personal safety or at immediate risk of admission into residential care. The client may have a carer and the carer arrangements are unsustainable or the carer is at crisis point.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/acat-guidance-for-home-care-package-high-priority.pdf
eSafety Courses to keep Senior Australians connected during COVID-19:
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/senator-the-hon-richard-colbeck/media/esafety-courses-to-keep-senior-australians-connected-during-covid-19
Emergency Respite CRCC: 1800 052 222 or after hours 1800 059 059 Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 www.carergateway.gov.au
Disability Gateway NEW https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ Phone 1800 643 787
Wellness Australia (Qld - Wellness Australia) https://www.wellways.org/our-services/carer-gateway-support-services 1300 111 400.
ideas experts for disability information. A toll-free national call centre 1800 029 904 8am-8pm and website for all people with disability and the public, with advice on disability supports/services https://ideas.org.au/
Seniors One Stop Information Line: No question too big or small 1300 135 500
Seniors Guide to Qld Help App https://adaaustralia.com.au/resources/seniors-guide-to-qld-help-app/
National Injury Insurance Scheme (Qld) https://niis.qld.gov.au Phone 1300 302 568
A “One stop shop for disability knowledge” http://www.cadr.org.au/
Frequently asked Questions https://providertoolkit.ndis.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions
some examples: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing#ndis-price-guide-2019-20-effective-1-december-2019
Current price limits are published on the Price guides and information page of the NDIS website.
Price Guide 2019–20 for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Clickability Share Your experience of different services with other participants. https://clickability.com.au/
Need help finding something? Call Clickability on 1800 414 616 or email [email protected]
Disability Gateway February 2021 https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ Phone 1800 643 787
Disability Information Service 1800 177 120
Free Australian classifieds for buying & selling used disability, aged care & rehabilitation equipment http://reusability.com.au/
Understand Your Plan https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/disabilitysupportguide-assets/information/DPS_Disability+Support+Journey_V2.pdf
Just missed out on the NDIS? Over 65? Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme (CoS)
Planning and achieving your NDIS goals https://www.ndis.gov.au/
NDIS Questions and Answers https://www.endeavour.com.au/ndis
Common Mistakes when making your NDIS plan https://www.endeavour.com.au/media-news/blog/are-you-making-these-ndis-mistakes
Decision making for Disability in Vic http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/our-services/publications-forms/carers/
Mental Health Acute Care 24hrs/7days (07) 5667 2000 or 1300 642 255
Supports for carers through the NDIS https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=M4GPt5RT1kE
Specialist Disability Services in Queensland https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/specialist-disability-services
Wellways for Mental Health https://www.wellways.org/understanding-mental-health/i-am-experiencing-mental-health-issues
Lifeline 24/7 (anyone having a personal crisis):
Counselling and support 13 11 14 or chat online https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home
- SANE Australia Helpline (people living with a mental illness) – call 1800 18 7263 Information and referral line assisting people with a mental illness, their families and carers.
- http://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/
https://twitter.com/SANEAustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/sane-australia
https://saneforums.org/t5/Carers-Forum/ct-p/carers-forum
https://www.sane.org/images/PDFs/2013-ALifeWithoutStigma_A_SANE_Report.pdf
https://www.facebook.com/saneaustralia/
https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/need-help/services-in-other-states/residential-services-in-queensland.html - Mental Health Carers Australia Helpline 1300 554 660
- beyondblue (anyone feeling depressed, anxiety and related disorders) – call 1300 224 636 or chat online
- Black Dog Institute (people affected by mood disorders) – online help
- Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) – call 1300 659 467
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/advice/13health qualified staff who can point you in the right direction. You can phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for qualified health advice. Please remember, 13 HEALTH is not a diagnostic service and should not replace medical consultation.
My Health Record https://bsphn.org.au/primary-care-support/digital-health/my-health-record/
DV Connect (Women's Line) 24hrs/7 days: 1800 811 811
DV Connect (Men's Line) 9am-12 midnight/7 days: 1800 600 636
DV Connect Kid's Line 24 hrs/7 days: 1800 551 800
Men's Line Australia 24 hrs/7 days: 1300 789 978
Queensland Elder Abuse Prevention Unit 1300 651 192 www.eapu.com.au
Head to Health a directory of more than 370 federally funded mental health services and resources, including mental health websites, online courses, free or low-cost evidence based apps and online programs to help build personal skills plus forums to share experiences with others who are also experiencing mental health challenges.
Meals on Wheels: Nerang 5596 1026
Transcord Community Transport Services 5539 3733
Energex: Power supply/outages 13 19 62
SES: Flood & Storm assistance (fallen trees,
roof damage, floods) 132 500
RSPCA: Animal emergencies 1300 852 188
Assistance Dogs perform a range of tasks for people living with disabilities http://www.assistancedogs.org.au/
mindDog: specialising in psychiatric service/assistance dogs https://www.minddog.org.au/the-process/apply/
Able Transport Service 5571 0344
Volunteering Gold Coast Transport 5526 5288
Deaf Services Queensland 3892 8500 - Note: they have now become a Provider of Home Care. Ask next time you contact them.
Queensland Disability Network 1300 363 783
Accommodation Support & Respite Services provides assistance with daily living for people with a primary diagnosis of an intellectual disability who require support to enable them to live as independently as possible.
Level 11, "The Rocket" 203 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Qld 4226
PO Box 8338, Bundall Qld 9726 Phone" (07) 5675 4478
Gold Coast City Council Seniors and
Disabilities Directory 1300 465 326
My Aged Care 1800 200 422 https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
ADA Australia 07 3637 6000 Free Call: 1800 818 338 Email: [email protected] Web: adaaustralia.com.au
National Aged Care Advocacy Line 1800 700 600
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 1800 550 552 regarding a Commonwealth-subsidised residential or home-based aged care service
Quality regulator becomes aged care’s one-stop shop
By Natasha Egan on January 8, 2020 in Government, Industry, Noticeboard
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/08/quality-regulator-becomes-aged-cares-one-stop-shop/
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is now the single regulator of aged care services and the primary point of contact for aged care providers and consumers for quality and safety matters.
Recently passed aged care legislation amendments, which took effect on 1 January this year, see the following functions transitioned from the Department of Health to the quality and safety commission:
- approval of all residential and home care providers
- aged care compliance activity including prudential operations
- the administration of compulsory reporting of assaults by approved providers.
These new roles build on the one-year-old commission’s existing responsibilities for complaints and the accreditation, assessment and monitoring of aged care services.
The quality and safety commission’s additional functions and responsibilities enact recommendations from the Carnell Paterson review of regulatory processes to create a one-stop shop for regulation and strengthen regulatory oversight of the sector.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson said the commission now had a broader range of tools to drive improvements in aged care consumer experience and care outcomes.
“The commission has an important role to play in holding aged care providers to account for the provision of such care, as required under the Aged Care Quality Standards.
“We complement this role through our work in promoting consumer engagement, providing information and education, and seeking to resolve complaints about aged care providers,” Ms Anderson said.
06 January 2020
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Important message for current Queensland Community Care service users
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now available across Queensland. As a result, from 1 July 2019 the Queensland Community Care Program was replaced by the Queensland Community Support Scheme.
Many people have moved to the NDIS, but others may be experiencing delays. For this reason, the Department of Communities, Disability and Seniors will ensure existing Queensland Community Care clients at 30 June 2019 will continue to receive their service under the new Queensland Community Support Scheme.
If you are eligible for the NDIS in the future, you will transition to the national scheme at that time.
Existing Queensland Community Care Program service users do not need to test their eligibility with the NDIS to transition to the new Queensland Community Support Scheme.
If you are a current service user and experiencing difficulty or concern about moving from the Queensland Community Care Program to the new scheme, or the NDIS, for advice and support please contact Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) by calling 1300 363 783 or (07) 3252 8566.
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you can make an access request to the NDIS at a future point. QDN will be available until 30 September 2019 to assist a limited number of people with this access process.
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Free Australian classifieds for buying and selling used disability, aged care and rehabilitation equipment.
http://reusability.com.au/
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The long wait for home care packages is forcing some older people to enter residential care prematurely because of carer burn-out and lack of reablement support, the aged care royal commission has heard.
Have you thought of enquiring into a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for your loved one?
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report, released by the government just before Christmas, covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019.
It revealed that 112,237 people were still on the waiting list for their approved home care package.
Richard Colbeck
Close to 50,000 of those waiting are receiving a lower level interim home care package.
Almost all of the remaining 62,000 people without any package have been referred to Commonwealth Home Support Services, the report said.
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/07/slight-improvement-on-home-care-queue/
07 January 2020
Funded by the Australian Government, the CHSP is an entry level home help programme for older people who are mostly – but not completely – able to live and cope on their own, and don’t yet need higher levels of support at home. A home support assessment conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) is required to access Government subsidised support at home.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/extra-15-million-to-support-independent-living
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New Aged care means assessment forms
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the new Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA486) digital form. Your clients can fill it in online, print and sign it and send it to DHS with their supporting documents. The digital form uses dynamic questions tailored to the customers’ individual circumstances.
For clients who would prefer to use our simplified paper forms, they are as follows:
- Home Care Package Calculation of your cost of care (SA456)
- Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA457)
- Residential Aged Care Property details for Centrelink and DVA customers (SA485)
These forms are all available on the DHS website. Tips on how to download the digital form can be found here.
Aged care means tests: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/aged-care-means-tests
We assess your financial details to work out how much you need to pay towards aged care.
Customers commencing a Home Care Package don’t need to fill in a form if they get a means tested income support payment from Centrelink or DVA.
Customers entering Residential Care don’t need to fill in a form if they:
- get a means tested income support payment, and
- don’t own their own home.
It is important to make sure their income and assets are up to date when they enter into care to ensure their assessment can be completed automatically. They can do this by accessing their Centrelink online account or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 or DVA on 1800 555 254.
Department of Health
26 November 2019
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“$50,000 Should Not Translate To Just Nine Hours Of Care,” Royal Commission Hears
by Caroline Egan. https://hellocaremail.com.au/home-care-delivered-hours-care-royal-commission/
Home care was under the Royal Commission’s spotlight on Monday, as the second set of hearings began.
New standardised home care pricing Schedule
To improve transparency for senior Australians, all home care providers will need to publish their pricing information in a new standardised pricing comparability Schedule (the Schedule) on the My Aged Care Service Finder. 8 July 2019
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Aged care provides support to older people to help them with everyday living and other needs. Find out about what services we fund, how older Australians can access them, and what service providers need to do to deliver our aged care programs.
"Another key source of confusion is around the mandated requirement by government that all approved providers must publish the prices they charge for certain common care and services in a standard format on My Aged Care, she says.
Administration and Case Management are no longer separate categories and the model of charging a percentage of a home care package for these is no longer possible,” Ms Poulos says.
There are two new categories – Package Management and Care Management – that have very clear definitions and requirements to validate charges made to a consumer’s package of care.
Providers are now required to attach to the Notice a copy of their full price list or a link to the full price list on their own website.
Government has indicated that compliance with the new legislation will be monitored for ‘reasonable’ charges however there is no real guidance about what would be considered as ‘reasonable’.“
08 July 2019
Home Care Providers are required to keep all of their pricing information on My Aged Care up to date and review it at least once every 12 months.
Home Care Providers will also be required to undertake the following for new clients from 1 July 2019, and for existing clients, before 1 July 2020:
- Print a copy of the pricing Schedule and include it within each client’s Home Care Agreement, noting that existing clients Home Care Agreements can only be changed through mutual consent, following consultation.
- Charge client’s the price in the schedule that is included in their Home Care Agreement. In limited circumstances, if a provider needs to charge a different amount for a particular service, they will need to discuss and agree this amount with their client and detail the different price and the reason within their Home Care Agreement.
- Change their existing administration charging practices, as they will no longer be able to charge separately for business-related costs. If providers wish to charge for these costs, they will need to be included within the price for care and services, to ensure people can see the all-inclusive costs for delivering the service. For more information, please refer to the 'Resources' section below.
- https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/03/27/technologys-role-in-overhauling-the-aged-care-sector/
All of these changes will enable people to better understand and compare common services and costs across home care providers and make a more informed decision about which provider is best suited to deliver their care.
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers need to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
Check it out for yourself!!!
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
- Fully funded by Provider
- Self-managed by YOU
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
- Personal Care
- Nursing
- Cleaning and Household tasks
- Light gardening
- In-home Respite
Other costs:
- Package management
- Staff travel costs to visit you
- Separate cost when you want to receive services from a different Provider
- Maximum Exit $ amount
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
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Compare providers https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/compare
Takes 2-5 minutes
This free service allows you to compare Angels in Aprons Respite Service with other providers who can deliver services based on your needs in the location you require. The information you provide will remain confidential and your details will only be shared with the provider if you choose to continue the conversation after viewing their response.
Important to know
- We will suggest providers who are participating in the 'Compare Providers' platform in your area.
- This service is free for you to use as providers cover the cost via a small monthly fee.
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Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie has accused community care providers of charging their clients excessive administration fees on a scale that amounts to “systemic rorting” of government subsidies.
Mr Wilkie told Federal Parliament last week he had received many complaints from older people and their families about “ridiculous administrative costs” being levied on consumers. In one example described to Parliament, Mr Wilkie said a home care package client was being charged $165 per hour for basic house cleaning and showering services once non-direct care costs were added to their individual statement.
He said overcharging by many service providers was “on a scale that a reasonable person would characterise as systemic rorting.” “Some service providers are delivering very little and padding out the invoice with ridiculous administrative charges which in some cases is quadrupling the total bill,” he said.
and do Read the comments after the article...
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The federal government has announced a $10 million boost to the Community Visitors Scheme to help older Australians cope with increased social distancing and tough visiting restrictions.
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/04/07/commission-reaches-out-to-home-care-providers/
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) network member – Qld
Queensland Community Care Network Inc is the CVS network member for Queensland.
Contact Kieran Mawdsley if you have questions about the CVS, want to refer someone or yourself to the CVS, or would like to become a volunteer visitor.
Kieran Mawdsley
[email protected]
Kieran Mawdsley
07 3379 7200
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts?search_api_views_fulltext=cvs%20n
Aged Care Open Disclosure Framework and Guidance
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resources/open-disclosure
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Information about assessment contacts being conducted at aged care providers, including determination of the scope for unannounced assessment contacts.
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/assessment-processes/assessment-contacts
28 June 2019
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Open disclosure is the open discussion that an aged care provider has with people receiving aged care services when something goes wrong that has harmed or had the potential to cause harm to a person receiving aged care service.
With more than 1.3 million people receiving care in Australia, this is a crucial activity for providers to support continuous improvement within their service.
Brochures & Posters
Guides & Handbooks
Aged Care - Flexible
Aged Care – Home and Community
Aged Care – Residential
Your Rights
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Since 1 July 2019, the new Charter will apply to all care recipients receiving Commonwealth‑subsidised aged care, including residential care, home care packages, flexible care and services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. The Charter is a component of the Single Aged Care Quality Framework and replaces the four separate charters for residential care, home care and short-term restorative care.
- View a generic sample of the Consumer experience report on a residential aged care service
- View Sampling and use of Consumer Experience Reports on residential aged care services
- Research Reports: Consumer Experience Reports residential aged care
- Consumer Experience Reports in home and community care
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For those who do need that Additional Help...
To find out who has available Home Care Packages - like NOW, click here
Since 27 February 2017, the package (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4) has gone to YOU. You choose your own Provider and the Government then gives them the $ to spend on what YOU Want. Do be aware that some Providers are charging joining, upgrade or exit fees for their in home health and wellbeing services. This is Not Mandatory, and should any Provider place these restrictions in your New Home Care Agreement, Do NOT sign it. You do NOT have to pay for these. Only those things which YOU have agreed to can be placed in your new Home Care Agreement. If this is happening to You, do not sign and immediately look around and choose another Provider.
Comparing home care options and choosing the right one can be challenging, but new government reforms are set to simplify the process. The Department of Health is introducing a range of changes to make it easier for consumers to compare service offerings and costs across different home care providers.
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages and changes to the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR)
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges, as well as subsidies and supplements will take effect from 1 July 2020. This is in line with changes to the age pension and indexation rates.
The quarterly review of fees and charges conducted by Services Australia, for all care recipients will be effective from 1 July 2020. Care recipients and providers will receive letters letting them know if there is a change to a person's fees and charges or if a refund may be due.
Schedule of fees and charges View the updated Schedule of Fees and Charges for:
01 January 2021
- residential and home care recipients who started care on or after 1 July 2014
- aged care home residents who started care before 1 July 2014.
"Some Providers Charging High Case Management, Administration Costs”
The Aged Care Minister The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP told HelloCare that home care operators that do not publish their fees online could face funding penalties. “I commissioned this report for an independent view of home care and am taking strong action on home care fees and transparency,” he said. “I expect administrative charges to be kept to a minimum, to maximise service delivery for senior Australians, and I am concerned with the practice of some providers charging high case management and administration costs.
Home care providers will be required to publish their pricing information in a new standardised schedule on the My Aged Care website by mid-year. Aged care minister Ken Wyatt said the move will help older adults understand and compare service offerings and prices across providers. “The greater transparency will also address the concerns raised about high administration prices being charged by some home care providers, which reduces the amount of taxpayer subsidised funds being spent on actual support,” Wyatt said.
The Department is actively monitoring home care providers and has already written to those who have not complied.”
“Since 1 July 2019 providers are required to complete a standardised schedule of pricing information on My Aged Care. This will allow senior Australians and their families to make like-for-like comparisons,” Mr Wyatt said.
A new charter for stronger aged care rights:
On 1 July 2019, the Australian Government introduced a new and simpler Charter of Aged Care Rights.
The new Charter:
- places the consumer, a person receiving aged care services, at the centre of their care
- supports them to express their needs
- recognises their fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect
- can change the way that care is experienced by older people
- supporting consumers to understand their rights under the new Charter
- ensuring consumers or their authorised person are given a reasonable opportunity to sign a copy of the Charter
Home Care - a guide to your consumer rights
YOU have the same rights as when you buy goods or services under the Australian Consumer Law. The reforms are in response to mounting concerns raised by aged care consumers and families about the lack of transparency and comparability of home care pricing information, and the high administration prices being charged by some providers.
A detailed guide for consumers, families, carers and advocates on how consumer laws apply to home care arrangements.
13 July 2018
Those under 65 needing Community Care basic support (1 to 5 hrs per week) phone your local Community Access Point 1800 600 300
no referral reqd.
- Learn about the other government supports and services that can help you achieve your goals. These services are available to all Australians and include:
- health,
- education,
- employment,
- transport,
- aged care,
- justice and
- housing.
- Watch this video to find out more.
High Priority is defined as: Client is considered at urgent and immediate risk in terms of their personal safety or at immediate risk of admission into residential care. The client may have a carer and the carer arrangements are unsustainable or the carer is at crisis point.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/acat-guidance-for-home-care-package-high-priority.pdf
The Future of Carer Support - Integrated Carer Support Service
“…includes the introduction of new early-intervention services and a new service delivery model that will provide carers with a support system that is easy to navigate…”
Unprecedented support for Australia’s carers
https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/5096
21 August 2019
"The Morrison Government is introducing the single biggest reform in more than a decade to better support Australia’s 2.7 million carers.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today announced a new regional network of service providers to deliver more than five times the number of services currently available.
Ten not-for-profit organisations will receive about $493 million over five years to establish a new network of 16 Carer Gateway service providers as part of the Morrison Government’s record commitment of nearly $700 million to support the important work of the nation’s unpaid carers.
“Since 6 April 2020, we have introduced a new service delivery model designed by carers, for carers to help them get the support they need early, before reaching crisis point. We are also providing demand driven funding for carers to access respite when they need it,” Minister Ruston said.
Under the new model, funding earmarked for respite will increase from the existing $44 million allocation to $65 million in the first year, increasing to $77 million in year five.
Carers can continue to access support through their usual service providers until the new Carer Gateway service providers are established in April 2020.
Existing service provider funding will be extended until 31 May 2020 to ensure continuity of support to carers during the important transition to the new Carer Gateway service providers."
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Print Resources Different people have different needs for information at different times during an illness. Patients will also have different needs from their carers. To support these different needs the following list of resources has been compiled based around topics relevant to patients and their carers. The source of the information is included, note that some information is from outside Australia.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/1262/Default.aspx#BGL
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The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
The following resources provide some introductory information on mental illness, mental health and disability. This includes information on diagnoses and associated symptoms, causes and contributing factors, legal systems and your rights. You will also find links to further information and support available for people experiencing mental health issues or disability, including families, friends and carers.
Browse the info sheets to find out more, or call Wellways on 1300 111 400 if you would like more information or have any further questions.
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Personality disorders
- Psychosis
- Alcohol and other drug use
- Eating disorders
- Suicide
- Causes and contributing factors
- Mental health and the law
- Disability
If you are experiencing mental health issues, or have a diagnosis of a mental illness,
our Wellways services, information and resources can be a valuable support to your wellbeing and recovery.
We work with you to bring about positive change and to build a good life in the community. We do this by providing services based on what works, flexible programs that suit you, and support from people who’ve been there. We understand that your needs are as individual as you are.
Our work with you is guided by our belief that everybody can build a life that is not defined by their mental health issues.
For more information, please contact Wellways on 1300 111 400.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
Anxiety program: A new educational program from NPS MedicineWise focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders – conditions that often remain undiagnosed for many years but for which effective treatments are available. Resources for health professionals and consumers are available at
https://www.nps.org.au/
Supports for carers through the NDIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=M4GPt5RT1kE
Carers Forum Acceptance, connection, support. Share the journey.
Safe, anonymous discussion for people living with mental illness, moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals.
Read the community guidelines
Looking for information? Please download our Arafmi information sheets and view our range of resources for carers.
https://www.arafmi.com.au/resources/
Mental health issues; Carer Supports and Carer Groups (overview);
Carer's Forum - The Carers Forum is for people who care about someone with a mental illness. Discussions are organised under these seven topics — click one to read more, or even join in if you’re up for it.
ARAFMI
We have been busy preparing a series of online carer workshops and we're very pleased to say that we're ready to launch and we can't wait to get started!
What are you inviting me to?
We are inviting you to participate in a 15 minute session where we will be practicing breathing and relaxation techniques together to help clear our minds, relax our bodies, and improve our ability to focus.
When are the sessions?
Sessions are held at 3pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Please register below to let us know what day you would like to attend.
Upcoming Workshops
The interactive workshops are designed to help carers understand the impact of mental illness on their loved one; how to improve their relationship; how to develop caring skills, and how carers can keep themselves well emotionally in the long run.
There’s also an opportunity to connect with other carers who may be experiencing similar issues and learn from each other. The carer workshops go for 2 hours with a short break.
If you’d like to attend one or more of our carer workshops, please call us on 07 3254 1881 or email us at [email protected]
July
Carer Coach - Navigating the NDIS
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 Australia
This is the first in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This session is designed to assist carers to understand what the NDIS is, who is eligible to apply and how to apply for an NDIS package.
Find out more »
JULY 13
July
Carer Coach – Preparing for the NDIS Planning Meeting
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the second in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to prepare for the NDIS planning conversation and understand what a plan could cover.
Find out more »
JULY 13
July
Carer Coach – Preparing for the NDIS Planning Meeting
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the second in a series of three workshops for mental health carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to prepare for the NDIS planning conversation and understand what a plan could cover.
Find out more »
JULY 20
July
Carer Coach - Making the most of an NDIS plan
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the third in a series of three workshops for carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to understand what can be included in a plan, how to engage providers and start implementing the plan and how to make the most out of the plan.
Find out more »
JULY 20
July
Carer Coach - Making the most of an NDIS plan
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis is the third in a series of three workshops for carers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This workshop is designed to assist carers to understand what can be included in a plan, how to engage providers and start implementing the plan and how to make the most out of the plan.
Find out more »
JULY 26
July
Workshop: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Personal Boundaries
Carer Hub, 24 Chermside St
Teneriffe, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis workshop is designed specifically for people who care for a friend or family member with mental health needs. We need boundaries to protect us, put us in charge of our own lives, promote health relationships, independence and reduce stress and conflict. In this workshop we will look at what boundaries are and how and when to practice steps to set personal boundaries.
Find out more »
JULY 27
July
Workshop: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Personal Boundaries
Qld Health Hub, 60 Dalton Drive
Maroochydore, QLD 4005 AustraliaThis workshop is designed specifically for people who care for a friend or family member with mental health needs. We need boundaries to protect us, put us in charge of our own lives, promote health relationships, independence and reduce stress and conflict. In this workshop we will look at what boundaries are and how and when to practice steps to set personal boundaries.
Find out more »
How Do I Join? https://www.arafmi.com.au/family-carers-how-arafmi-can-help/workshops/register-sv/
- Once you have registered, you will receive a separate email containing a link to the online video conferencing tool, Zoom. Keep this email - you will need it for the session.
- Make sure you have internet access and equipment that you can use to access Zoom. A desktop or laptop computer is recommended because the screen is bigger. You can join the session by either downloading the app or visiting their website by clicking the link that will be provided after you register.
- Before the session begins, prepare yourself and try to have a quiet environment so you can focus.
- Click the Zoom link 5 minutes before the session to make sure the audio, video and speaker work for you.
- Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions before the workshop.
What Do I Do After The Workshop?
If you could please click this link and leave your feedback, it would be greatly appreciated.
As a carer we hope that you enjoy this break as much as we have enjoyed creating it and presenting it for you.
ARAFMI’s 24 hour telephone support line gives carers access to someone who is able to listen. Its comforting to know that when you need to talk – someone who understands will be there – at any hour.
National Helpline You can call Arafmi any time of the day on 1300 554 660 or 07 3254 1881.
24 hour telephone support (07) 3254 1881 | 1800 35 1881 (Regional Qld) or 1300 554 660
https://www.arafmi.com.au/contact/
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Australian Carer Payment eligibility requirements:
To be an eligible carer you must meet these rules.
Care needs https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/rules-carers#a1
Income and assets https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/rules-carers#a2
Both of these must apply to you. You must:
Assets test for carers The value of your assets can reduce how much we pay you. If it’s over the limit we can’t pay you at all.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/assets/30621
Read about the assets test. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-payment/who-can-get-it/income-and-assets-test
7 February 2020
Care needs:
You must be providing constant care in the home of one of the following:
- someone who has a severe disability or severe illness someone who is frail aged
- 2 to 4 children younger than 16 whose needs add up to the same as 1 child with severe needs
- 1 or 2 children younger than 16 and 1 adult whose needs total the same as 1 child with severe needs.
Income and assets
Page last updated: 12 November 2019
How do I qualify for a carer's pension?
To get this you must:
- be under the pension income and assets test limits.
- be an Australian resident.
- care for someone who is an Australian resident.
- care for 1 or more people who have care need scores high enough on the assessment tools used for an adult or child.
"How much is the carer's pension?
There are currently 220,000 recipients of Carer Payment with an average age of 50 (Department of Social Services, 2013). The maximum rate of Carer Payment is $827.10 per fortnight for singles (around $21,500 per year) and $1,246.80 (around $32,500 per year) for a couple combined."
To claim Carer's Allowance you must: Be aged 16 or over; Spend at least 35 hours a week looking after the person in need of care; Have net earnings of less than £131.90 a week, from 9 February 2021.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
Complete the following steps to claim Carer Allowance. Before you start, check if you can get it.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance/how-claim
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance/how-much-you-can-get
How do I become a carer for Centrelink?
To be eligible for the Carer Allowance:
- you must be providing extra care to someone who has a disability or severe illness or is frail aged.
- their care needs score high enough on the ADAT or DCLAD.
- they will have these needs for at least 12 months or the rest of their life.
Failure to notify the Department of Human Services of any changes within 14 days could lead to you being overpaid and having to pay those benefits back in future. It’s always vital to report any income that you and your partner earn to the Department of Human Services. This includes details of your hourly pay rate and the number of hours you have worked during each reporting period. Even if your income for the period is zero, you still need to report it to the Department.
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"I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!"
Steve Jobs died a billionaire at age 56. This is his final essay.
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Click here for an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
When people have mental health troubles their self-care often falls by the wayside. A number of problems, including depression, can sap your motivation to perform daily tasks. When you don’t clean, exercise or cook reasonable meals for yourself...
Blog - Just scroll down a bit to find what interests/ can be of assistance, to you.
https://anzmh.asn.au/blog
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for that Special Occasion The period after all the festivities is a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
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Worried about if you just miss out on the NDIS? or if you are over 65 years of age? There IS an alternative being put in place.
The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began on January 1st, 2019.
Who do the Act and Rules apply to?
- Approved providers of residential aged care services, home care services and short-term restorative care services.
- Service providers of Commonwealth-funded aged care services (this includes Commonwealth Home Support Programme and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Care Program (NATSIFACP) services).
What changes can services and providers expect?
The new Rules look quite different due to the combined functions under the Act. However, while the Rules have combined a number of previously separate legislative instruments, the core processes are preserved.
Factsheets & FAQs
Aged Care - Flexible
Aged Care – Home and Community
Aged Care – Residential
Assessing services
26 June 2019
It will have a budget of almost $300 million over four years, employing dozens of additional senior compliance officers. The new Commission will immediately absorb the roles of the current Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and, from January 2020, also take over the Department of Health's aged-care compliance responsibilities.
Background Papers 1-8 is called Navigating the maze: an overview of Australia’s current aged care system. It outlines different aspects of the aged care system, the services currently being delivered in Australia and the areas in need of substantial reform.
The Royal Commission will be accepting submissions until mid 2019 from members of the public interested in providing evidence. Submissions can be lodged online, via mail or telephone.
- Online submission
- Mail to: Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, GPO Box 1151, Adelaide SA 5001
- Information helpline: 1800 960 711
What the new Aged Care Quality Standards mean for you? What are the new standards?
The Australian Government has set some new Aged Care Quality Standards that clearly define what good care should look like. These new Standards have been published, and your service will have to use them from 1 July 2019.
The new Standards make it easier to check that people receive good care. Good care is not about your provider 'ticking boxes'. It’s about them caring for you and your individual needs.
Watch the video to see what the new Standards mean in practice for you.
- View a generic sample of the Consumer experience report on a residential aged care service
- View Sampling and use of Consumer Experience Reports on residential aged care services
- Research Reports: Consumer Experience Reports residential aged care
- Consumer Experience Reports in home and community care
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NDIS Price Guide - effective 1 March 2021
NDIS Price Guide 2020-21 - effective 1 July 2020
Following the completion of the Annual Price Review to determine NDIS pricing arrangements for the 2020‒21 financial year, the NDIA has published the NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue 2020‒21.
The Price Guide and Support Catalogue 2020‒21 have been updated to reflect the indexed prices as a result of the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2019‒20. The latest Price Guide was published on 29 June 2020 and comes into effect 1 July 2020.
- Price Guide 2020‒21 (DOCX 368KB)
- Price Guide 2020‒21 (PDF 1.7MB)
- Support Catalogue 2020‒21 (CSV 143KB)
- Price Guide 2020‒21 for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide.
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LATEST: 17 June 2021
https://www.ideas.org.au/
IDEAS - Disability Information
A new phone and online resource providing information about telecommunications products that are suitable for people with particular mobility, sensory, memory or cognitive conditions is now available.
The Accessible Telecoms project, launched on January 21 by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network and funded by a NDIA grant, is Australia’s first independent information resource of its kind for people with disability, ACCAN says.
Accessible Telecoms is available here or by phoning 1800 029 904.
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The latest health and disability news in Australia
https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability
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Q&A answers questions asked by the community about the NDIS.
Participant booklets
Three participant booklets are available to support people with disability and participants throughout their NDIS journey. The booklets are a practical tool to help people with disability, participants, their families, carers and the wider community to learn more about the NDIS, prepare for a planning meeting and to implement their plan.
The booklets are intended for use throughout a person’s NDIS journey and can be used to record key information, write questions and collect thoughts.
12 November 2019
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS
Booklet 1 covers:
- Learning about the NDIS
- Deciding whether to apply for the NDIS
- Accessing the NDIS
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS (PDF 371KB)
Booklet 1 – Understanding the NDIS (DOCX 73KB)
Booklet 2 – Planning
Booklet 2 covers:
- Understanding your current supports
- Creating an NDIS plan to achieve your goals
- Receiving an approved NDIS plan
Booklet 2 – Planning (PDF 467KB)
Booklet 2 – Planning (DOCX 86KB)
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan
Booklet 3 covers:
- Understanding what’s in your plan
- Learning how to use your plan
- Choosing and managing supports and services
- Reviewing your plan and progress
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan (PDF 534KB)
Booklet 3 – Using your NDIS Plan (DOCX 95KB)
Factsheets and checklists for participants
About the NDIS
- Factsheet: About the NDIS (PDF 90KB)
- Factsheet: About the NDIS (DOCX 30KB)
- Factsheet: Accessing the NDIS (PDF115KB)
- Factsheet: Accessing the NDIS (text only) (DOCX 215KB)
- Factsheet: Developing your NDIS plan (PDF 498KB)
- Factsheet: Developing your NDIS plan (text only) (DOCX 498KB)
- Checklist: Getting ready for your planning conversation (PDF 679KB)
- Checklist: Getting ready for your planning conversation (DOCX 204KB)
What does NDIS mean?
Q&A answers questions asked by the community about the NDIS.
- NDIS: What does it mean?
- National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories
- Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability or developmental delay.
- Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind that if they, their child or loved on is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
- Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. It helps people get the support they need so their skills are independence improve over time.
Navigating your NDIS journey?
Download this informative pamphlet to help you in understanding your Plan
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/disabilitysupportguide-assets/information/DPS_Disability+Support+Journey_V2.pdf
Participant Plans
Each participant will have an individualised plan that is tailored to their goals, personal circumstances and disability support needs. The types of supports that the NDIS may fund that may have direct or indirect benefits for you as a carer include:
personal care to support an individual in their home or the community
- supports to assist people with disability to enjoy social and community interaction without relying solely on you
- assistance with tasks of daily living, including help to improve a person’s ability to do things
- supported employment services and help for people to move to work programs that prepare people with disability for work
- training related to the caring role that may enhance your ability to provide care
Supports that maintain a carer’s health and wellbeing will also be considered. This support may include participation in a support group or a special interest network. In deciding whether to fund or provide a support, the NDIA will take account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide.
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Specialist Disability Services in Queensland
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/specialist-disability-services
My Health Record legislation changes
On Monday 26 November 2018, The Australian Digital Health Agency announced that the Australian Parliament passed legislation to strengthen privacy protections in My Heath Records Act 2012. The changes include:
- allow Australians to permanently delete their records, and any backups, at any time
- explicitly prohibit access to My Health Records by insurers and employers
- provide greater privacy for teenagers 14 years and over
- strengthen existing protections for people at risk of family and domestic violence
- clarify that only the Agency, the Department of Health and the Chief Executive of Medicare (and no other government agency) can access the My Health Record system
- explicitly require law enforcement and other agencies to produce a court order to access information in My Health Records
- make clear that the system cannot be privatised or used for commercial purposes.
Your My Health Record is an online summary of your health information, such as your medicines, any allergies you may have, and your medical history. Once your My Health Record is created your doctor, hospitals and other healthcare providers involved in your care can automatically access your health information, unless you set up your privacy controls.
Using these privacy controls lets you decide which healthcare providers can access your My Health Record and what they can view. You can also ask a provider not to upload certain information. If you decide you don’t want a My Health Record you can cancel it at any time.
Click on Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.oaic.gov.au/myhealthrecord/privacy/
Every time your My Health Record is accessed, it is recorded in an audit log which you can view by logging into your My Health Record. The System Operator cyber security team constantly monitors system access. There are strict penalties for unlawful access. If you have concerns about who has accessed your My Health Record, contact us immediately on 1800 723 471.
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Gold Coast Community Legal Centre & Advice Bureau Inc
34 Railway Street, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215
(07) 5532 9611
https://www.gcclc.org.au/
Since opening in 1984, our team of fully qualified lawyers has provided front line services to the entire Gold Coast region free of charge. Our priority is to assist the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in a range of legal areas including family law, domestic violence, consumer issues, minor civil claims, motor vehicle accidents, neighbour disputes and minor criminal matters.
Our main office is located centrally in Southport. We also provide legal services at outreach locations all around the Gold Coast region.
Legal advice and assistance is available Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm by appointment and our walk-in night clinic operates every Tuesday evening from 5pm, at our Southport Office. It runs on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with no appointment necessary.
- Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.gcclc.org.au/about-us/faq
To book an appointment, please call 07 5532 9611 or request a call back online.
To make it more convenient to access our legal services, we operate 'Outreach Clinics' at various locations within the Gold Coast region.
Our solicitors visit these different locations to provide legal advice and assistance on a regular basis. All appointments to see a solicitor at one of these locations are made by phoning our Southport office on 07 5532 9611, or complete our online Booking Form.
- Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, Jim Harris Park, Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes, QLD4227 - Every Monday
- Kirra Hill Community Centre, Ground Floor, Room L1.02, 1 Garrick Street, Coolangatta, QLD. 4225 - Every Monday and Wednesday
- Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Third Avenue, Palm Beach, QLD, 4221 - Every Tuesday (Family Law matters only)
- Oxenford and Coomera Youth Centre, 25 Oxenford-Tamborine Road, Oxenford, QLD, 4210 - Every Monday
- Family Relationship Centre, Ashmore Commercial Centre, Suite 11, 207 Currumburra Road Ashmore, QLD, 4214 - Every Wednesday (Family Law Matters only)
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
The free resource provides information about a broad range of topics, including:
- aged care,
- transport,
- housing and
- neighbour disputes,
- family and
- finances,
- elder abuse,
- consumer issues,
- community access,
- future planning and
- decision-making.
Talking informally with other Carers Does Help!
Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH
Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
Live in the Palm Beach area and surrounds? Check this monthly "What's On" on http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Get involved with the Active & Healthy Mental Health Program and join the movement to help create a program specifically for people with a mental illness. This program will highlight all the activities running across the City of Gold Coast that support opportunities for people with a mental illness to become active and healthy.
For Carer Respite support (if the person you care for is over 65 years of age) ring MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 and to find out what support is available in your area. Under 65 years of age? Ring Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre 1800 052 222.
Need Respite in a hurry? In an Emergency you can ring the CRCC during business hours, or for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, phone 1800 059 059 to speak to a live person. This applies also if the person you care for is over 65 years of age.
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Do be aware that since 1 July 2015, the HACC program you have grown to rely on over all these years, has ceased. In its place is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). To find out more, and what it will mean for you and your loved one, click here.
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A guide to making decisions and navigating your entitlements in later life is put out by the Australian Human Rights Commission 2013.
"Your Rights at Retirement" This publication is to help you be well informed about available services from the Age Pension, Carers, who to turn to when you need to make financial decisions, understanding Health options, and generally being well informed about what is available.
"Your Rights at Retirement" is available to download in .pdf or .docx format at
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/publications/your-rights-retirement
Hard copies are available by calling 1300 369 711 or (02) 9284 9600.
Requests for copies can be emailed to [email protected] .
For general enquiries and publications: Phone 1300 369 711 Fax (02) 9284 9611 www.humanrights.gov.au
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The other avenue is to approach the office of your local City Councillor/State member and ask.
Sometimes their staff are most knowledgeable. Actually, for those with no internet, this is probably the best place to start. As for libraries, you would have to go in and ask. Their friendly staff will help you access the internet to search. The Gold Coast Seniors newspaper and Gold Coast Sun often have good articles on services.
Live in the Palm Beach area and surrounds? Check this monthly "What's On" on http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Getting Active and On Your Feet http://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/stayactive_web_final.pdf
Active and Health Program kicked off from 1 January 2021: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/active-healthy-calendar-41468.html
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Aged Care Services – those aged 65 years or older & their Carers
Need help to stay living in your own home and community, but are finding everyday tasks difficult and need support? Click on www.myagedcare.gov.au or Phone My Aged Care Information Line 1800 200 422
Central Intake, Robina Ph 1300 668 936
Aged Care Quality Standards
The Department of Health introduced the Aged Care Quality Standards from 1 July 2018 to replace all previous standards. They will apply to all Commonwealth aged care services including residential care, home care, flexible care and services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Assessment will continue against current applicable standards, with assessment against the new Standards in effect from 1 July 2019. Further information is available on the Quality Agency website.
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Mobility aids
Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require daily living and mobility aids.
Available mobility aids:
- Infant/child seated mobility aids
- Manual and power wheelchairs and accessories/modifications
- Wheeled walking aids
- Foam and pressure redistribution - Wheelchair Cushions
Handimove Body Support Independant
Having difficulty moving from your bed to your wheelchair? Needing help to move your body to go to the bathroom/ toilet? Do have a look at this video.
https://www.freedom2live.com.au/handimove-body-support-independant
What's happening with Assistive Technology -
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Sarah Henderson says refining the AT process and simplifying the AT replacement process will allow NDIS participants to maximise use of their funding and focus on their goals.
Since June 2019, the NDIA has introduced changes that will make it easier for participants to access refurbished or pre-used AT.
Some examples of Assistive Technology that an NDIS participant may be eligible to receive funding for includes (but is not limited to):
- a mobility cane,
- nonslip bathmat,
- non-electronic magnifiers,
- talking watch,
- long-handled or adapted grip equipment,
- shower stool/chair,
- bath seat,
- over-toilet frame,
- video magnifier,
- bed rails,
- wheelchair,
- hoist,
- hearing aids, and
- many more.
Question: Is ongoing servicing and maintenance for Assistive Technology (AT) and equipment included in a plan?
The NDIA recognises the importance of repairs and maintenance for many items of AT so they continue to be useful to the participant.
We aim to ensure servicing and maintenance is more consistently included in plans to enable participants to access the services they need.
In addition the NDIA and our Partners in the Community will be encouraging participants to make arrangements early (through a suitable service booking) to ensure they have a suitable provider aware of their AT in case of an unexpected repair.
13 March 2018
Assistive Technology under the NDIS does not include:
- items for treatment or rehabilitation
- built environment that is used by the public – for example, ramps, pathways and lifts
- mainstream technology that does not overcome a functional limitation but modifications to this technology could be Assistive Technology – for example, a car would not be AT, but modifications to the car could be AT
- something that does not include a device – for example, medicine or training
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This term describes various methods of communication and may include:
- High-tech speech generating devices
- Low-tech communication boards/books
- High-tech single and multi-message
- communication aids
- Low-tech symbols
- Unaided systems e.g. signing
Know how the NDIS works:
NDIS Get Ready: 1800 772 383 - you can ask them questions, even if they can't help you at present. Check the information and resources available at https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/getting-help/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ndis
You can also call the NDIS 1800 800 110