​

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.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque in diam id erat facilisis consectetur vitae vel urna.

Ut lacus libero, suscipit auctor ipsum sit amet, viverra pretium nisl. Nullam facilisis nec odio nec dapibus. Integer maximus risus et velit porttitor ullamcorper

Read more for FREE!

Become a member today and join over 200,000 Australians already taking advantage of daily news, weather, petrol costs, games, jokes, deals and more.

• 

  FREE 400-page Discount eBook upon joining

• 

  FREE Aussie-made eBook & many more

• 

  Multiple daily discounts for members

• 

  No payment required

Register Faster Using

• Continue with Facebook
• Continue with Google
• Continue with Apple

Or Register with email

Join the club

Already a member?

Log In

[Nana Zorak]

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!

 

[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!

If you live in an area that has Feros Care, ring them direct, and they should be able to help you.

 

[natalielocket]

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

 

[marni]

Not for those who did the recommended Downsizing. Now as a self funded retiree I am not able to access these services. The self funded will end up in nursing homes with no home help

 

[Ezzy]

Not for those who did the recommended Downsizing. Now as a self funded retiree I am not able to access these services. The self funded will end up in nursing homes with no home help

Why is a self funded retiree discriminated against in this manner?
Your needs are just as great as a person on a full pension!

 

[marni]

Not for those who did the recommended Downsizing. Now as a self funded retiree I am not able to access these services. The self funded will end up in nursing homes with no home help

The people in the village where I live are practically all on the aged care package. Luckily we have a nice handyman - we must pay. I was thinking the money will run out. Sadly that is the way it is.

 

[Ezzy]

The people in the village where I live are practically all on the aged care package. Luckily we have a nice handyman - we must pay. I was thinking the money will run out. Sadly that is the way it is.

I am sorry to hear that you & other retirees, who are self funded, are treated like 2nd class citizens by the government when considering the hundreds of thousands of $'s you have saved them by your selfless act.

 

[Nana Zorak]

If you live in an area that has Feros Care, ring them direct, and they should be able to help you.

Thank you Joy. I will give them a ring on Monday.

 

[marni]

I am sorry to hear that you & other retirees, who are self funded, are treated like 2nd class citizens by the government when considering the hundreds of thousands of $'s you have saved them by your selfless act.

Thank you. Yes my husband and I had three jobs between us to pay off the home we sold. So plenty of tax paid. It is what it is. Just was a warning to other retirees.

 

[Ezzy]

Thank you. Yes my husband and I had three jobs between us to pay off the home we sold. So plenty of tax paid. It is what it is. Just was a warning to other retirees.

You were both real battlers. Perhaps it is what it is, a you say, but that doesn't mean this is the best way to treat people. Thankyou for your consideration of other retirees.

 

[Lizzie1149]

Actually this isn't quite accurate. I did the online questionnaire and I didn't qualify but I would if I got an ACAT assessment. Also the forget to tell you that some of us will pay a co payment if we have "earnings" including defence superannuation. This co payment in my husbands case is $70+ per fortnight. If I get a package I have to pay the co payment too. So out of our part pension and defence pension we loss over $100 a fortnight. I get the carer payment but that isn't a lot

 

[maggiej]

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.

 

[Lizzie1149]

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.

Okay I think you could go through your doctor. Get them to request an ACAT assessment. This is particularly if your health circumstances have changed. My husband had a stroke and he got an ACAT assessment before he left hospital and another one when he applied for aged care. I don't think there was two years between assessments. I think you will find if your GP deems it necessary you will get it

 

[Clancieblue]

Why is a self funded retiree discriminated against in this manner?
Your needs are just as great as a person on a full pension!

You can have a care package as well ,just may need to contribute a little extra.

 

[Clancieblue]

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!

Have you contacted MY Aged Care.

 

[Barbara V]

I'm on small package as only need help around the house but for access to Occupational Therapy 3 to 8weeks wait . 9 weeks still no contact

 

[maggiej]

Okay I think you could go through your doctor. Get them to request an ACAT assessment. This is particularly if your health circumstances have changed. My husband had a stroke and he got an ACAT assessment before he left hospital and another one when he applied for aged care. I don't think there was two years between assessments. I think you will find if your GP deems it necessary you will get it

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

 

[Clancieblue]

Individuals, family members, carers and Aged Care Service providers can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request an assessment from ACAT. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ Contact

 

[Jest]

thank you Joy. I have been waiting for 8 months. i am with commlink and i wanted to go on the trips and use my scooter. that became such a todo i have now told them to forget it. i just muddle through my day.