Your independence and
wellbeing matter
What is Home Care?
Staying as healthy and well as possible is the key to making the most of your life. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you can still achieve with a little support.
Anglican Care HomeLife is here to help you go on living independently in your own home for as long as possible. After all, you’ve spent a lifetime creating a home – it’s where you belong and where you want to stay. The Australian Government understands this and funds a number of different options to support seniors who want to maintain their independence and live in their own home. We provide home care packages in Newcastle, Mid Coast and Central Coast, together with:
- HomeLife Day Support
- NEW Meals Made Easy – program aimed to educate, train and re-skill frail older people in preparing and cooking a
meal in their own home.
Our team of experienced professionals is devoted to delivering compassionate care home care services to our consumers. To learn know more about our home care packages in Newcastle, Mid Coast (Taree, Cundletown, Bulahdelah) and Central Coast, get in touch with our friendly customer experience team. If you haven’t had an assessment with My Aged Care as yet, or are waiting on the national queue for a home care package, we can assist with that too.
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HomeLife - Care Packages
Our personalised Home Care Packages provide coordinated care and support to ensure you continue to lead a good life while living at home.
Firstly, one of our HomeLife Care Advisors will sit down with you to help clarify your specific goals and needs. This is an important step in getting to know you (and you getting to know us) so that we can provide the best possible care and support. Then we’ll develop a care plan together that’s as individual as you are, taking into account everything that matters most to you.
We can help you with services that cover lifestyle, exercise and wellness, health and nutrition, personal care and help around the home.
Our support services include:
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Lifestyle
- Banking and paying bills • Hobbies and interests • Social outings and bus trips
- Staying connected with my local community • Transport
Exercise & wellness
- Exercise groups • Therapies • Allied health professionals
- Restorative care to enhance physical and cognitive function
Health & nutrition
- Doctors’ visits & other health professional visits • Making healthy food choices
- Grocery shopping • Meal Planning • Meal Preparation
Personal care
- Showering and bathing • Dressing and grooming • Toileting and personal hygiene
- Continence management • Foot and nail care • Medication monitoring
- Nursing care including wound, diabetes and pain management
Higher care needs
- Clinical care and services • Dementia specific services • Palliative care
- Assistive technology • Mobility and other aids and equipment
Help around the home
- Cleaning and housework • Personal laundry • Minor home maintenance and modifications • Lawn and garden care • Spring cleaning
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Costs Explained
Understanding the costs to obtain services can be confusing, but we are here to help make it easier.
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HomeLife – Home Care Packages
There are four levels of care with the Home Care Packages Program and each package level has a different amount of funding. The more care and support you need, the higher the level of care and services you will require, so the more funding you receive from the government.
In addition to your government funding, you will also be required to pay a basic daily fee and possibly an income-tested fee if your income is over a certain amount.
We can then work with you to decide how your funding is spent to make sure you have the care and services you need.
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HomeLife - Day Support
HomeLife Day Support
East Lake Macquarie Dementia Services
16 Croudace Bay Rd, Belmont
Alkira Centre
87 Toronto Rd, Booragul (entry via C A Brown Lodge)
Funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), HomeLife Day Support is for seniors that need a little extra support to stay active and social, we offer a range of tailored programs from our two centres.
Participants of our day support programs come to our centres once a week (or more) and spend the day doing a variety of activities for example – group exercise, an activity such as art as well as an allied health consultation. Not forgetting the fun and friendships formed when the group sits together and enjoys each others company over a tasty morning tea and lunch which are both included.
Our day programs support you to ...
Have fun
Our programs will help you to engage with other like-minded people in enjoyable activities that build new skills, encourage new friendships and create a real sense of belonging. You can take part in structured activities or choose to do your own thing with the support of our caring team. All activities are designed to allow you to make the most of your capabilities in safe, secure surroundings.
Be well
Staying as healthy and well as possible is the key to making the most of life. Our specialist employees will work with you to identify personal goals and interests and then tailor activities that will help to optimise your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to maintain physical function, increase flexibility, improve chronic disease management, maintain a healthy weight, improve your social life or manage your emotional wellbeing, we can help you get there.
To be you
When you participate in one of our programs, you bring with you a lifetime of interests, skills and experiences that have shaped the unique individual you are. We celebrate that individuality and encourage all program participants to be themselves, because we believe that diversity makes things interesting. That’s why we rely on everyone’s input to shape activities that are beneficial, meaningful and enjoyable for all.
Our programs include:
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Community & Home Support
- Allied Health & Therapies • Social Support – individual and group
- Carer relationships and carer support • Transport
Community & Centre Based: Alkira Centre – Respite & Day Therapy
- Physiotherapy • Dietician • Podiatrist • Social Support
Community & Home Support: ELMDS Centre
- Carer relationships and carer support • Social support – group and individual
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Costs Explained
Understanding the costs to obtain services can be confusing, but we are here to help make it easier.
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HomeLife – Day Support
The Australian Government funds the Commonwealth Home Support Programme service providers so they can deliver affordable services to people. There is a fee for each service and the amount people contribute depends on their income and the type and number of services required.
Your fee to attend Home Life – Day Support, will be discussed and agreed upon with you prior to commencement at the Centre you choose to attend.
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Meals Made Easy
Meals Made Easy
Meals Made Easy is a program funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) under the ‘Other Food Services’ service type.
Meals Made Easy aims to educate, train and re-skill frail older people in preparing and cooking a meal in their own home. Anglican Care aims to promote consumer independence and support their Wellness and Reablement goals.
MEALS MADE EASY INCLUDES
Assistance with preparing and cooking – a meal in your home to promote knowledge, skills, independence, confidence and safety.
Advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian – on food preparation, food storage and safety, and nutrition lessons and training.
Nutrition education and practical lessons include information on:
- Preparing nutritious meals at home
- Staying active at home and food for energy
- Maintaining a healthy weight and label reading
- Chronic disease management and changes in taste and appetite
- Texture modified foods
- Food intolerances
- Changes in bowel habits and staying hydrated
- Using nutrition applications on smart phones and tablets (i.e iPad)
For further information please download our flyer Meals Made Easy
Costs Explained
Understanding the costs to obtain services can be confusing, but we are here to help make it easier.
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The Australian Government funds the Commonwealth Home Support Programme service providers so they can deliver affordable services to people. Each program has a fee and the amount people contribute depends on the type and number of services required.
Our friendly team will discuss fees with you and/or a family member prior to your commencement..
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How to Apply
How to apply
To get started, you will need to follow the steps below. Remember our Customer Support Team are always here to give you or your family advice as you go through the steps. We’re here for you.
STEP 1. Register with My Aged Care.
To organise an assessment for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package you need to register with My Aged Care and undergo an assessment. They will organise an assessment either over the phone by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or an assessment at your home by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for a home care package.
To organise your assessment call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website myagedcare.gov.au
STEP 2. Home Care applicants – your assessment.
If you require an ACAT assessment, a representative will need to come to your home and talk to you about your lifestyle, health and medical history before advising you of your eligibility services. You are welcome to have a family member or friend with you for support, or you can even request an Anglican Care HomeLife Advisor, to support you through this process. If you want Anglican Care to deliver your services, the ACAT assessor can nominate us as your preferred provider, saving you valuable time once you receive your package.
STEP 3. Post-assessment & wait lists.
If you have been assessed to receive CHSP services, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care regarding what services you are able to access and the different providers.
If you have been assessed to receive a Home Care Package, you’ll receive a letter from My Aged Care letting you know the outcome of your assessment, level of support and services you’ve been approved for.
You’ll then go on a national waiting list. We have options available to support your needs while you are waiting – see Step 7 below.
STEP 4. Home Care applicants - prepare your finances.
For those wanting to access a Home Care Package and are a part pensioner or self funded retiree, following your assessment you will need to organise an Income and Assets assessment. This step is not necessary for those receiving a full pension.
To do this, contact the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) on 1800 227 475.
If you receive a Service Pension, contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.
STEP 5. Select a Provider.
Choosing a provider is a very personal decision, you want to feel comfortable with the quality of the service and support you receive, and that it is delivered by trained people. We believe that our highly skilled people are motivated by genuine compassion, and that’s what sets us apart from others.
To explore provider options visit My Aged Care website (www.myagedcare.gov.au) or call them on 1800 200 422.
STEP 6. Home Care applicants - approval to start letter & referral code
When you reach the top of the National Priority Queue, My Aged Care will send you a letter with your referral code and Home Care Package level. You have 56 days to activate your service with your preferred provider. (An extension can be granted if you miss the deadline.) If you choose Anglican Care as your provider, it’s time to call and speak to one of our HomeLife Care Advisors. They will arrange to visit your home and sit down with you to develop your care plan, taking into account everything that matters most to you.
IF REQUIRED - STEP 7. Home Care applicants – Can I receive services whilst on the National Wait List?
YES, we have a number of options that can assist you while you wait as it may take some time for you to be assigned your home care package.
Our Commonwealth Home Support Programs can support you to remain living independently at home via a range of activities that we provide through our two Day Centres. All with the goal of keeping you healthy, happy and engaged with life. We also provide vital support to carers, helping to nurture their health, wellbeing and resilience.
Our Home Care Services can be offered to you as a privately tailored service – funded by you. That means whilst you wait for your start letter and code, you can choose the services you want, when you want them, with no eligibility criteria and no waiting times. The costs incurred will depend on the services and support you choose.
Call our friendly Homelife Advisors to discuss your options on 1800 733 553.
FAQS
FAQs - Commonwealth Home Support Programme
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
CHSP services are funded by the Australian government and are available to frail, older people (aged 65 years and over or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need assistance with daily living to remain living independently at home and in the community.
How do I access CHSP services?
You’ll need a referral from My Aged Care first. Contact them on 1800 200 422 or talk to one of our friendly Customer Experience Team staff on 1800 733 553. They’ll be happy to help.
Do you have programs for people with memory loss and dementia?
Yes, we do.
Does HomeLife Day Support include meals and transport?
Yes. Morning tea and lunch are provided and transport to and from our Centres can be arranged.
What are your hours of operation?
Our Centres operate from 9am to 4pm.
What are the Fees and Charges?
Each day program has a fee that covers attendance, meals, therapies and in some instances, transport. These services are subsidised by CHSP.
FAQs - Home Care Packages
What services can be provided to support me in my home?
We can tailor a package of care and support that is right for you. Your services will only be limited by your package funds, which are based on your approved level of care, and Government regulations and there are some expenses that cannot be funded by your package. As a guide, Home Care packages can provide the following types of services: Personal care, home care, transport to appointments, meal preparation, basic garden care, in-home respite, medication prompts, shopping assistance and social activities.
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What will I pay for my Home Care Package?
Your package funds will comprise Government subsidy, based on your approved level of care, and your Contributions. Client contributions are set by the Government and can include the Basic Daily Care Fee and an Income Tested Care Fee, if applicable.
The Basic Daily Care Fee represents 17.5% of the single person rate of the basic age pension.
The Department of Human Services will determine whether an Income Tested Fee will also apply. Government subsidy for your package funds will be reduced by the daily amount that is determined as your Income Tested Fee. This fee cannot be waived or reduced, as it forms part of the total funding for your approved level of care.
If you receive a Government means tested pension, you do not need to lodge an income assessment form, as the Department of Human Services or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will have the necessary information required to complete this assessment.
However, if you receive a Government pension that is not means tested, or you are a self funded retiree, you will need to complete and lodge an Aged Care Fees Income Assessment (SA456) form. If you do not complete this form, you can be asked to pay the maximum income tested fee.
Annual and lifetime caps apply for the Income Tested Fee. Our Customer Experience Team can provide more information about maximum rates, cap limits and the income assessment process.
What happens when I am away from my home – in hospital or on holidays?
You can suspend your services if you go to hospital, residential respite or take social leave for holidays. Your Basic Daily Care Fee and Income Tested Fee will continue to apply for periods when you may be in hospital or on holidays. Fees do not apply if services are suspended due to residential respite or transitional care. Request to suspend services is required in writing. Your Care Advisor will explain what financial impact this may have on your package funds.
Can I change Home Care Providers?
Yes – you can change to another service provider and transfer the balance of your package funds. Before making the decision to change providers, we recommend you check your Home Care Agreement and understand the conditions in relation to notice periods to end your Agreement and any exit fee that may apply. You will need to contact My Aged Care to re-activate your referral code before you can start to receive services from another provider.
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