Welcome to Meath at Home

Meath at Home Service provides care which maximises independence with the goal of keeping people living in their home with necessary support. Services can be long term and ongoing, or alternatively can be short term, such as carer respite or extra assistance after a stay in hospital. In collaboration with our health professionals, clients can direct and determine what services they receive and in a manner that fits in with them. Our home care services are available through both Commonwealth Government funded Home Care Packages (HCP) or on a private basis.

Who is eligible for a home care package?

Home Care Packages (HCP) are available for both elderly Australians and younger individuals with complex care needs who want to remain in their own home. This government-funded program provides support services that help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life. To be eligible for a HCP, individuals must be at least 65 years old, or 50 years old for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To determine eligibility, individuals must register with My Aged Care and undergo an assessment to determine their specific needs. This information is then used to determine their eligibility for a HCP and prioritize them on the national waiting list. Once approved, individuals will be notified when a HCP becomes available and can then engage an approved provider, such as Meath at Home, to receive services and support.

What is a Home Care package?

For many elderly Australians, a Home Care Package is the key to being able to age at home, in the comfort of a familiar environment. Home Care Packages are consumer-directed which means you can choose the services and providers that work best for you. Home Care Package subsidies support you to continue living at home and staying connected to your community, often avoiding, or delaying, moving into a nursing home. A Home Care Package (HCP) through The Meath at Home upholds your rights, supports your autonomy and enables you to follow your own schedule enjoying full independence as you age.

How to get a Home Care package?

To Access a Home Care Package, you will need to be assessed by an Aged Care assessment Team (“ACAT”) This free assessment can be requested by you, your family, your GP, or a service provider. The results of the assessment will determine your eligibility. Assessments are organised by My Aged Care –Call 1800 200 422 or log onto www.myagedcare.gov.au. My Aged Care can refer you for a free assessment to an ACAT. An independent assessor will come to your home to gain an understanding of your needs. Once this assessment has been finalised, you will receive a letter to let you know if you have been approved to receive a Home Care Package (this letter will also confirm the level of care and place you on the national waitlist for a Home Care Package). There are 4 types of packages that may be allocated as 1, 2, 3 or 4. The package allocated depends on the complexity of you needs. You will be notified by services Australia when your Home Care Package has been assigned, you will receive another letter which confirms you have been assigned a package with a unique referral code and that you have 56 days to select a provider.

If you would like to choose Meath at Home Care to deliver your home care service call us on 08 9309 7000 or email us at homecare@meath.org.au

Costs

People who receive services through a Home Care Package may be asked to pay a basic fee. The maximum basic fee set by the government is currently 17.5% of the single Aged Pension. However, Meath at Home Care will consider waiving this daily fee on request. Aside from the basic fee, some care recipients will be required to pay an income-tested care fee. This is calculated by the government and reflects the level that the care recipient can contribute to the cost of their care and services. To determine if you will be required to pay an Income tested Care Fee, and get an estimate of how much, please visit  www.myagedcare.gov.au/fee-estimator

If you are required to pay an Income Test Fee, this amount is deducted from the amount Services Australia pay to your provider.

If you would like to receive additional services, but has insufficient funds in the package, they are able to pay an additional amount as a top-up.

Meath at Home Charges

These charges are applied to the funds we receive on your behalf and are not billed to you. Care Management: This covers the costs to review the Agreement and Support Plan, coordinate and schedule the care and services received. Administration Fee: To cover costs to help you get and manage your Home Care Package, which includes claiming your home care subsidy, and preparing and sending your budget and monthly statement.

Additional Information

For more detailed information about the Meath at Home service please download our comprehensive Meath at Home Consumer Handbook

Home Care Package guidelines outlined by the Australian Government. A copy of these guidelines has been developed to help consumers easily understand the program and can be found at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/operational-manual-for-home-care-package-consumers.pdf

Current supplements from the government
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/home-care-packages-program-subsidies-and-supplements-update
About My Aged Care home care packages
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages

To Meath at Home on My age care
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/home-care-packages/2057477
Aged Care Quality and safety Commission
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au