Home Care Packages – 5 Simple Steps to Apply
Posted on December 30th, 2019
At CentacareCQ we understand that applying for a home care package can seem daunting. Here is our simple 5 step guide on how to apply and what to expect.
Step one – Registration
Your first step is to register with the government agency: MyAgedCare. This can be done over the phone by calling 1800 200 422 or via the website at: myagedcare.gov.au
Step two – Assessment
MyAgedCare will arrange for the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to visit you at your home to discuss your current and future needs.
The ACAT team will submit a report with recommendations of what criteria for care you meet.
Throughout the assessment and application process, you can continue to receive any services you already have in place.
Step three – Approval to proceed with the application
Based on the recommendations of the ACAT accessors, your application maybe given approval to proceed. Following approval you will be sent a letter indicating your priority level.
The priority level you receive, relates to how quickly your application should be finalised. The waiting times associated with each priority level can be viewed at: centacarecq.com/hcpinfo
You can request a reassessment of your priority level at any time during the process, if your circumstances or condition changes.
Step four – Waiting for assignment / research
While waiting for ACAT to finalise your package application, you can begin to look at services offered by CentacareCQ and other providers. It‘s important to remember that your package can only be assigned to a single provider.
The provider you chose will then work with other providers to access any services not directly offered them.
Additional client contributions may apply.
Step five – Choose Provider
Once your package allocation has been finalised, you will receive a letter from ACAT. This letter means your package is now ready to use, and that you can now sign up with your chosen provider.
Your chosen provider will meet with you to review your budget, and discuss the fees associated with receiving services.
If you choose CentacareCQ as your service provider, you will benefit from being allocated a dedicated case manager. Your case manager will handle any service requests, changes and questions on your behalf.
It’s important to note that your ACAT letter will assign a deadline for you to take up services. This is why we recommend in step four to research the service provider offerings in your area, while you are waiting for ACAT to finalise your package.
Please note that when ACAT finalise your package allocation, your package funds are paid directly to your chosen provider to manage on your behalf.
Find out more about our case management service
Need help? We’re here for you!
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the application process, our client experience team is here to help – simply call 1300 523 985 or visit: our home care page.
