Regulations and eligibility surrounding home care packages can be a quagmire of facts and information, creating uncertainty or a reticence to apply for what is a welcome option for elderly or disabled family members who wish to remain at home for as long as possible.
For this reason, Whiddon Group has been hosting information sessions across regional North West NSW, to assist families in understanding home care.
On Wednesday, May 12 in Narrabri, and Tuesday, May 11 in Wee Waa, attendees heard about community care support, funding and equipment offered by Whiddon in free information sessions.
Community care encompasses a range of services catering for individual needs, which can include nursing, personal care, help around the home, pet care, transport, technology support and social support.
There is also the offer of equipment to assist with home care needs such as mobility aids, incontinence aids, as well as advice and planning assistance surrounding home modifications.
Home care packages are allocated to community members following an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
There is an eligibility criterion to be met, and a national home care prioritisation queue assigns home care packages based on need and waiting time.
Families have the flexibility to select their provider of choice and the services they need.
New England community north regional manager, Anna Tait, shared this information with the audience at both sessions.
“Whiddon is committed to giving back to our local communities and part of this is delivery of the free Understanding Home Care events that have occurred across the region this month,” she said.
“The presentation aims to provide people with information on what sort of support and funding are available for them to keep them living at home longer.”
“We also go through the steps that need to occur to access the funded levels of care and how they look like in action.”
“The gatherings are interactive as we invite people to ask questions throughout each session, so they obtain the information that is relevant for them.”
“The steps needed to access Community Care, particularly navigating the MyAgedCare system, can be daunting, which is why we are providing these sessions.”
“We can also provide one-on-one support and information to anyone who missed out on these sessions, whether this is in home or in our local office.”
Whiddon invites people to contact the local coordinator, Jodie Clayton, on 1300 728 338.
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