More and more older Australians want to stay at home and be independent for as long as possible. It is very important for seniors to receive their home care package (HCP) funding as soon as possible to be able to stay home and receive the care they need.
Data retrieved from a freedom of information request by 9 news has shown that over 50,000 seniors died over a three-year period while they waiting to for their packages to be approved and thousands more being forced into nursing home due to not receiving funding soon enough. However Aged Care Minister Anika Wells suggested that this figure is proportionate to the death rate in the aged population. She has also suggested that seniors who urgently require an HCP are currently being assigned their approved level HCP within one month, whereas those who have a medium priority are assigned their approved level HCP within 3 to 6 months.
Minister Wells also mentioned that as a means of addressing seniors’ care needs while they wait for their HCP, seniors may also be approved to access other aged care programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, and Transition Care Programme.
The Federal Government has indicated that there will be a new program that will replace the current HCP, CHSP, and STRC. The aim of this program is to make it simpler and quicker to get the funding for the services seniors require. The government understands that 1 million seniors rely on these services, thus will not be rushing this project, with an estimated start date of July 2024.
Gratitude In-Home Care can assist with the application process for Home Care Packages, and provide a wide range of aged care services. Get in contact today!