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Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

Australia’s ageing population is growing due to increased life expectancy. By 2026, Australians over 65 will make up 22 per cent of the population, up from 16 per cent in 2020. Australians are living longer, by an average of 30 years, than a century ago.

Most of us worked for most of our lives and paid taxes. As we age, our bodies and our minds begin to slow; some of us fast, and some of us slowly. However, at some stage, we may find ourselves or a loved one needing some support.

Coming to terms with not being able to do as much as before can be quite daunting. However, if we accept the challenge to make our lives more positive by accepting help, we will improve our overall health and have an increased quality of life.

Help at home is available. Image Credit: Shutterstock

The first hurdle to overcome is to accept that we may need support to remain in our homes and do some of the things we previously took for granted. This may be as simple as somebody helping with the gardening. Maybe it’s a little bit of help with the house cleaning or grocery shopping. Whatever help we have will enable us not only to have a better quality of life but also to prolong our ability to stay within our homes.

Currently, the Australian government has what’s called an Aged Care Package (also known as Home Care Package) that is intended to enable us to stay in our own homes. (It is much cheaper to help someone stay in their home. We’ll talk about these packages shortly. There are, however, many other services available to support people to stay in their homes, from local government agencies, privately funded support groups and the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) packages. However, before accessing modifications to the home, shower or help with shopping, we must first come to terms with the changes in our lives. It boils down to whether we are able to remain independent with support or if we need extra nursing support. Deciding to take control of our choices means to determine what sort of life we will lead.

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[wendell]

I too have had problems with this . When I left hospital in 2022 after having stents put in I was advised to have the aged care help. I was contacted and at the time my husband was able to help so we denied the help from the Government. This year I have not been as well as I usually am so have been advised by various people to get the help I had been offered in 2022. .According to the aged care I was assessed in 2022 and so all I need is the minimum of help no matter that I am now not able to do many things I would nrmally have been able to do as is also my husband. we are aged pensioners and in our mid to late 80's but we would still have to pay a co payment which we do not mind but I have not been given a new assessment to determine just what I might need. So consequently all this has caused me frustration and I have now decided to give up having a cleaner and just try not to see something that has not been done. Getting old is not as good as one would hope after being well in control of my life before.

Don’t give up. Have you been in touch with a provider … even your local go to help A social worker at the hospital years ago put me and husband down for one

 

[wendell]

Don’t give up. Have you been in touch with a provider … even your local go to help A social worker at the hospital years ago put me and husband down for one

Was supposed to be local GP to help

 

[Isis]

It all looks so good. Check a bit further. I have a level 2 package which got me a grader a person to help me go to the shops and frozen or fresh meals.
All good with the lovely provider, then when I had 2 months with them I was advised that I had an assessment and a bit over the amount to not have to pay personally. It meant that yes I had a substantial yearly amount to draw on but apparent the government think I had enough money to pay out of my own pocket $12 PER DAY, even if I don’t use the services. I chose to stay at home with its accompanying expenses and am struggling with a part pension but ended up with $900 worth of debt that fortunately I can pay off. My only luxury is my pets and a streaming channel.
Of course I had to pull out and wait to reactivate the level. Guess that,s when I have no savings at all.

 

[Reet]

Unfortunately, too many Providers are not doing the right thing. Also, a lot of their `workers` are not qualified. I know in the area I live, I have to tell people their rights. Also they can change providers if not happy with who they have. Unfortunately, Feros is not in this area. As at 75 (next month) I would still be working for them

I have a home care package and have a wonderful person who cleans for me once a fortnight. The person who used to do this was absolutely hopeless and obviously did not like doing that kind of work. With the sign up for the package I was given a form to fill in to either praise the person or tell what was wrong with that person. I actually sent in an email explaining what that person was doing that was wrong and also the things she was not doing that she was supposed to do. I also said I would not tolerate this person in my home again and as a result I had a few weeks without help as they were short of staff, until they could find someone who had the time to come to my place. I am so glad I wrote that note as the woman who now does my cleaning is very thorough and an extremely nice person. She does everything I want and more and is very pleasant about it.

 

[natalielocket]

I first applied for a home care package many years ago but still haven't got one or even a face to face assessment. I just seem to be continually get put on the back burner. luckily I do have a cleaner come in once a fortnight to do the floors etc But my carer does the cooking, shopping & the hanging of the washing,As he is a male he doesn't see the dirt around. At least he is not pedantic about the general look of the place. I would like to know if I am eligelable for a package & when it will come in!

You certainly are eligible for a package. If you are in an area where Feros Care works in, they maybe able to help. I worked for them for many years, in the Clarence (NSW) area, and there are still Clients who started 20+ years ago. (now retired)

 

[natalielocket]

It all looks so good. Check a bit further. I have a level 2 package which got me a grader a person to help me go to the shops and frozen or fresh meals.
All good with the lovely provider, then when I had 2 months with them I was advised that I had an assessment and a bit over the amount to not have to pay personally. It meant that yes I had a substantial yearly amount to draw on but apparent the government think I had enough money to pay out of my own pocket $12 PER DAY, even if I don’t use the services. I chose to stay at home with its accompanying expenses and am struggling with a part pension but ended up with $900 worth of debt that fortunately I can pay off. My only luxury is my pets and a streaming channel.
Of course I had to pull out and wait to reactivate the level. Guess that,s when I have no savings at all.

The Government need to look into that. Depriving you of care, saving them money, so you don`t have to go into a Nursing Home. Heaven forbid. (so many I wouldn`t put a dog in). Unfortunately there are so many pop up Providers, untrained staff, ripping off the system, that the original concept like NDIS, are running out of money.

 

[Joy Straw]

Thanks for your reply but when I did ask my doctor he told me to go online and contact Aged care which is what I did and it was quite complicated so I rang them but they said I already had a cleaning option but had not taken it up so after I have just given up

Maggie don’t give up You need help and there is help available. You need to advocate for yourself and if you are confident find a friend or go back to your GP Good luck.

 

[Jest]

Maggie don’t give up You need help and there is help available. You need to advocate for yourself and if you are confident find a friend or go back to your GP Good luck.

GOOD LUCK I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 8 MONTHS TO START ON MY AGED CARE NO. 3. I AM WITH COMM LINK BUT HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE I HAVE NOT BOTHERED WITH THEM. I JUST GO AROUND IN MY MESS. i have copd cancer and type 1 with heart problems and that doesn't seem to to be a problem with them. my best

 

[Joy Straw]

GOOD LUCK I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 8 MONTHS TO START ON MY AGED CARE NO. 3. I AM WITH COMM LINK BUT HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE I HAVE NOT BOTHERED WITH THEM. I JUST GO AROUND IN MY MESS. i have copd cancer and type 1 with heart problems and that doesn't seem to to be a problem with them. my best

Dear Jest I checked with the local area and their waitlist for assessment is 3months it’s supposed to be 8 weeks but there’s been a significant increase in applications or so I was told

 

[Jest]

Dear Jest I checked with the local area and their waitlist for assessment is 3months it’s supposed to be 8 weeks but there’s been a significant increase in applications or so I was told

thank you for your reply Joy. I shall phone tomorrow and check. I am in the Moreton district. my happy flower.

 

[wendell]

I feel feel very lucky to have a package , don’t give up please

 

[Jest]

thank you for your reply Joy. I shall phone tomorrow and check. I am in the Moreton district. my happy flower.

Dear Jest I checked with the local area and their waitlist for assessment is 3months it’s supposed to be 8 weeks but there’s been a significant increase in applications or so I was told

Hi Joy, I phoned the My Aged to find that they started me March and i was interviewed January. I now have to wait for possible 12 months to receive my package 3. March 2025. Health issues do not mean anything. I have also phoned the Moreton district to have a message to leave my name etc. I am not holding my breath for a reply. Comm Link here in Ipswich is far from satisfactory. I feel my faith has dissipated. I am totally aware I am only one of many and I do thank you for your assistance.

 

[Joy Straw]

Hi Joy, I phoned the My Aged to find that they started me March and i was interviewed January. I now have to wait for possible 12 months to receive my package 3. March 2025. Health issues do not mean anything. I have also phoned the Moreton district to have a message to leave my name etc. I am not holding my breath for a reply. Comm Link here in Ipswich is far from satisfactory. I feel my faith has dissipated. I am totally aware I am only one of many and I do thank you for your assistance.

I’m so sorry it is a struggle for Aged Care it is very under resourced and I guess it is only when we petition and have our voices heard that we can make change. Please don’t give up and maybe try your local council to see if they have any help available. As Wendell says above, “don’t give up”.