Navigating the home care maze doesn’t have to be a nightmare

You’ve established that you or a loved one need some help around the home, and may even have received approval for a government-subsidised home care package.

But negotiating the home care sector can be tricky, with many packages and providers to choose from.

Fortunately, there is help at hand to guide you through the process, from filling out the paperwork to managing the actual provision of care.

Blue Care is at the front line of a new focus on home care in the aged care sector in Queensland.

Since the federal government made big changes in February to home care provision across Australia, Blue Care has assisted countless families on their home care journey.

The changes, which were first announced in the 2015-16 Budget, were designed to cut red tape, increase consumers’ choice of providers and speed up access to home care.

The government now provides a subsidy under the Home Care Packages Program for varying levels of home help, once you’ve undergone an evaluation by its My Aged Care department that determines your eligibility for funding.

But Maria McLaughlin-Rolfe, the general manager for Blue Care’s metro-south area, told Starts at 60 that the recent changes to the home care system also meant that navigating the system wasn’t as straightforward as in the past.

“There is a process most people need to go through with My Aged Care before they can access home care,” she explained.

“People can ring us and we can guide them through the process, we hold their hand along the way, connecting them with My Aged Care and continuing on the journey to care with them.”

Offering online resources including information sheets and how-to guides, Blue Care’s aim is to “un-complicate” home care for those people who’re looking at it for the first time and are unfamiliar with the sector.

As one of Queensland’s largest aged care providers, Blue Care’s portfolio includes a range of home care services, as well as residential aged care facilities and retirement villages.

McLaughlin-Rolfe pointed out there were several home care packages to choose from, based on a customer’s needs, ranging from assistance in getting dressed or going shopping to help with housework to more intensive nursing or other medical or therapeutic services.

“There is a whole package of services, including clinical care and support services such as maintenance, social support, domestic care, and respite for carers,” she said.

“Home care allows older Australians to still be able to engage and stay connected in the communities they’ve always lived in, by helping them participate in community activities and access local shops.”

Blue Care emphasises the difference between care provided in the client’s home and that provided when a person moves to a residential nursing home. 

McLaughlin-Rolfe said that while nursing homes and aged care facilities were also an important part of the aged care sector, “there’s nothing like staying in your home.” 

“Receiving home care doesn’t mean you’re on a downward spiral,” explaining Blue Care’s services can be tailored to each person’s needs.

Remaining at home means the client can continue to live the way they chose, she said.

“Home care isn’t about us coming in and taking over. In fact, Blue Care’s support model works with the client as a partner.” McLaughlin-Rolfe stressed. “The client drives everything, we’re there to support and maintain their life as they’ve always lived it.”

The government’s emphasis on home care has also been driven by recognition of the benefits it can have for older Australians. At-home care can boost users’ physical and mental wellbeing because quality of life is maintained.

“Sometimes when an older person has to leave their home, they get cut off from their community and it can have psychological and physical impacts,” McLaughlin-Rolfe explained to Starts at 60.

“It’s about keeping a sense of purpose in their life. We have a very big focus on maintaining people’s independence.”

When it comes to organising home care for a parent or relative, Blue Care recommends discussing the issue with them as soon as the need for assistance becomes apparent, rather than waiting for an incident such as a fall to force the conversation.

“A lot of people, sons and daughters, don’t look at this until they need to, until their parent is at a crisis point and a decision needs to be made very quickly,” McLaughlin-Rolfe said.

“Being versed in what is out there and available before your loved one needs it is beneficial if they’re getting to that stage in their life.”

Organisations such as Blue Care work closely with the whole family unit, supporting families with the care of their loved ones.

“It gives them confidence that they have someone helping to support their loved ones,” McLaughlin-Rolfe explains.

To find out more about home care services or start your home care journey, you can visit bluecare.org.au or phone 1300-BLUE-CARE (1300 258 322).

Have you organised home care for yourself or a family member? What was your experience like?