Providing Care at Home

No, the Support at Home program is not the same as the previous Home Care Package (HCP) program. The Support at Home program, which begins on November 1st, 2024, is designed to replace the HCP system. It aims to simplify the process of receiving in-home care services by offering a more flexible funding structure and a more streamlined approach to accessing support based on your needs.

The major changes with the Support at Home program include:

• A new funding model that assigns individuals a classification based on their care needs, which determines their funding and service allocation.
• Quarterly budgeting for care services, replacing the annual budget used in the HCP system.
• Greater flexibility in the services available, with easier access to providers and a more personalized approach to care planning.

If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), you will transition to the Support at Home program based on your care needs assessment. If you’ve been approved for HCP funding before November 1st, 2024, your existing package will continue until your next reassessment. Post-November 2024, your care will be reassessed under the Support at Home model, and you’ll receive a quarterly budget based on your needs.

“Grandfathered” refers to individuals who are already receiving Home Care Packages before the new Support at Home program starts. These individuals will maintain their current arrangements, but they will be reassessed under the Support at Home funding model when their next review or reassessment comes up.

Any unspent funds from your Home Care Package (HCP) will be carried over into the Support at Home program up to a specified amount (usually up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly care budget, whichever is higher). These funds will transition with you when you are reassessed under the new program.

A Co-Contribution is an amount you may need to pay out-of-pocket in addition to your government-funded care. Under the Support at Home program, the government will cover most of your care costs, but some services or additional care may require a co-contribution depending on your needs and financial situation.

To apply for the Support at Home program, you must first be assessed by My Aged Care, which will determine your eligibility. Once assessed, you’ll be assigned a level of funding and a provider to help you manage your care services. We at Ambition Health Group (AHG) can assist you in navigating the application process.

Wait times can vary depending on your location and the level of care you require. Generally, the process from assessment to being assigned to a provider can take several weeks. Our team at AHG can provide updates and support during this wait.

The Support at Home program provides a wide range of services designed to support you in living independently, including:

• Personal care assistance
• Home nursing and health services
• Domestic help (cleaning, meal preparation)
• Transportation services
• Community support
• Respite care for family caregivers

Switching to Ambition Health Group is easy! Once you are enrolled in the Support at Home program, you can contact our team to discuss your needs, and we’ll help you transfer to our services seamlessly.

If your care needs increase, we can help you reassess your Support at Home plan and adjust your services accordingly. We work with you to ensure your care plan evolves with your changing needs.

If you’re on the waiting list for a Home Care Package, your application will be processed under the Support at Home system once it starts. You will be assessed and assigned funding under the new program. We can assist you through this transition process.

If you’re waiting for a Home Care Package to be assigned, you will be transitioned into the Support at Home program. This means your funding and care services will be based on the new model once it begins.

Your existing Home Care Package will continue until your next reassessment, at which point you will transition to the Support at Home program. If you’re in the middle of your HCP plan, it will remain in effect until the reassessment is completed.

If you’re currently in the Home Care Package system, you won’t need to reapply, but you will need to undergo a reassessment when the Support at Home program begins. We can help guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.

Yes, we can assist you in registering with My Aged Care. Our team will guide you through the process and help with the necessary steps to ensure you are eligible for the Support at Home program.

You may keep your current provider if they are part of the Support at Home program. If your provider is not registered under the new program, you will need to switch to one that is. We can assist in transitioning to Ambition Health Group.

If you wish to change providers, you are free to do so under the Support at Home program. We can assist in transferring your care and ensuring that your new provider meets your needs.

Under the Support at Home program, you may have greater access to Assistive Technology and Home Modifications to help you live independently. These services are now more streamlined, with a focus on providing practical solutions for daily living.

The Dignity of Risk policy means you have the right to make decisions about your care and lifestyle, even if those decisions involve some level of risk. At Ambition Health Group, we support your right to independence while ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place.

Your fees may change depending on the new Support at Home model and the services you access. We can help you understand the new fee structure and how it may impact your care.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, you can contact Ambition Health Group directly. Our team of Care Designers is available to guide you through every step of the process.