27 February 2017 Aged Care Reform & Aged Care Consumers

2 Minute Read

© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions

For anyone working in the aged care sector, the 27th February 2017 was a huge day in aged care services history. It signified the beginning of portability for Home Care Packages. For consumers, it was just another day of navigating a ‘confused’ aged care system.

 

What Happened on 27 February 2017 in Aged Care?

The Aged Care Reform announced in the 2015-2016 budget created milestones for significant changes in the way aged care services were to be delivered in Australia. The milestone change in February was that Government funded in home aged care services became portable. This meant funding for home care and support services would be allocated to individuals instead of service providers which was the previous way Government Funding was handled.

This empowered aged care consumers with the choice of which provider they wished to use. Aged care funding is now prioritised, allocated and accessible and managed via one streamlined national system (ie: My Aged Care) facilitating equity in access for aged care services for both metropolitan and regional consumers.

 

How Can I Control My Aged Care Services?

With these changes it allows aged care consumers and their families or designated representatives to select a provider from a list of ‘Approved Aged Care Providers’ at My Aged Care.

After selecting a preferred service provider you are also able to choose different levels of engagement in the management of your funding. These options are:

  1. You oversee the planning and implementation of your funding through your selected service providers. In this instance you have the option to fully manage your services and recruit service providers. The caveat is that these service providers must meet the requirements of the Home Care Package Guidelines. You need to understand how the system works and what rights and responsibilities you have as a consumer.
  2. Combination of management and administration by you and the preferred service provider. The allocations of roles can generally be negotiated with the service provider.
  3. Full management and administration of the funding in consultation with you as the care recipient, your family or designated representative. (Usually your next of kin). In this option the service providers will generally charge a higher percentage of your ‘funds allocation’ to case management and administration.

 

Making such decisions can be daunting with the abundance of information available along with the numerous services available to choose from. Having an unbiased professional guide your journey can facilitate a smooth, stress free process.

You are welcome to give Danielle Robertson at DR Care Solutions a call for an obligation free chat.

- Contact Danielle - For An Impartial & Confidential Conversation

 

 

Danielle Robertson

Danielle Robertson

Working with you and your support network to get the right care outcomes for you and your loved ones. Danielle Robertson is founder and CEO of DR Care Solutions, offering aged care and disability care concierge services and expertise on how to set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one, at the right time and in the right place. Danielle's experience in the Australian care sector spans over three and a half decades. Now that's a lot of experience, wisdom and networks!