You’re on a waitlist for a Home Care Package – now what?
Congratulations! You’ve met the eligibility requirements of a home care package to secure a spot on the Home Care Package (HCP) waiting list.
Typically, there can be a long wait for a package – as long as six months to a year, depending on the package level approved. Even with the number of packages being released increasing, the demand for packages outstrips supply. However, wait times have been improving as the number of available packages has been steadily increasing.
In the interim, you may be eligible for entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home, through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Alternatively, you can connect with Independent Support Workers through platforms such as Mable and pay privately till you receive your allocated home care package.
You may also be able to access a lower-level HCP – this is known as an interim package and, if, eligible means you can access services sooner.
Find out below what options are available to you as you wait for your home care package to kick in.
Why is there a waiting time?
Simply put, there are more Australians who want to explore the option of living at home for as long as possible, which has led to a sharp increase in the demand for home care packages. This development, exacerbated by acute workforce shortages and complexities in the way the home care package program funding works, can cause delays in packages being released.
What is the National Priority System (NPS)?
The NPS allows for a nationally consistent and equitable process for assigning Home Care Packages based on people’s individual needs and circumstances. A person’s wait time is dependent only on their date of approval and priority for service.
Can I speed up the process of getting a home care package?
Unfortunately, no. With current and upcoming reforms to the aged care sector, it’s hoped that the wait times for a home care package will be reduced, but there’s no way for an applicant to “speed up the process”.
What you can do, in the meantime, is start searching for a home care provider, so that when you’re allocated a home care package, you can begin using your funding right away.
You can start looking for a home care provider straight away – speeding up access to services once you get your package
What to do while you wait for your Home Care Package:
1.Pay privately for support
If you’re currently in the queue for a Home Care Package, paying privately for your support may be an inevitable option, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Even without a package, people looking for aged care support services can connect directly with a variety of independent support workers on platforms such as Mable.
Through these platforms, you can connect with independent support workers who are experienced in aged care and negotiate directly with them to choose when and where you want to receive support, and how much you want to pay for it. There are rigorous checks in place to ensure they are only permitted to provide support once they are approved under the strict processes followed.
When your Home Care Package funding becomes available and you’ve found an Approved Provider to host your package, you can simply let Mable know by updating your account and payment details.
The platform is designed to provide clients with as much choice, personalisation and independence as possible by allowing clients to post jobs, select their preferred support workers and negotiate payments.
2. Find a home care package provider
You don’t have to wait till you receive your funding to find a home care package provider. You can start looking for a Home Care Package provider now, even before you are approved for a Home Care Package. That way, you have plenty of time to learn about how they operate and compare the costs. When your package is approved, you’ll be ready to sign up and begin.
By having your preferred provider already selected once your package is allocated you can get started with services quicker. During this time you can also start to look at preferred Service Providers you may like to use.
Book a consultation with the Homemade team today.
