Elderly Funding

Existing CHSP clients where social isolation due to COVID-19 is creating health and safety risks.

Clients which may fall into this category include:

• clients with dementia (who may be at risk of wandering or accidents);
• clients with an elevated falls risk;
• clients who live alone (or with a partner who could not help if an incident were to occur); or
• clients who have limited or no family/friends to provide routine check-ins or support if required.

CHSP providers are responsible for working with clients to determine whether they have a need and willingness to use personal monitoring technology. It does not require an aged care assessment. CHSP providers may access a range of different types of monitoring technology available in the private market. There may be a financial contribution required by clients depending on the technology chosen. Providers who are approached by new clients requiring this technology in urgent circumstances due to COVID-19, may provide one-off assistance in accordance with the assessment rules allowing six-weeks support without the need for an assessment.

More information is available via this link. 

All CHSP Providers are required and able to report funding spent on personal monitoring technology in DEX.

More information is available via this link. 

CHSP providers, funded to provide social support individual or group, can use grant funds to purchase IT, such as tablets, smart devices, and internet subscriptions to help connect older people to their family, carers and social groups under existing CHSP grant rules.

This support should be capped at $500 per person per year (or up to $1,000 in exceptional circumstances) in accordance with CHSP arrangements for other aids, equipment and assistive technology. This is not an option at the moment for CHSP providers not funded to provide social support.

More information is available via this link. 

Home Care Package care recipients will also be able to use their packages to access personal monitoring services to keep them safe at home.

In addition to personal monitoring, to help care recipients stay connected with loved ones and their community, Home Care Package funds can also be used to:

• Purchase suitable digital technology and video conferencing equipment that meet their needs and
• Access assistance in setting up and learning how to use the technology.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) 3 Home Care Package funds cannot be used for:

• Phone and/or internet plans or
• Entertainment activities, such as streaming subscriptions and paid apps.

Home care providers should:

• Support this engagement with assistive technology through a discussion with your care recipient in line with the framework set out in the Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual: A guide for home care providers
• Assist care recipients to choose the care and support that best meet their goals, care needs and preferences within the limits of the resources available and
• Consider the reasonable costs and best use of Home Care Package funds when determining the type of equipment and range of functionality required (it is not generally expected that care recipients will require top-of-the-range equipment to stay connected).

Additionally:

• Home Care Package care and services must be consistent with the Care Plan
• As care needs change while the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic unfold, you should review the Care Plan in consultation with care recipients
• The purchase of suitable equipment should be reflected in the Care Plan as being needed to meet care needs and goals and
• The Care Plan should also specify whether the equipment is leased, who owns it and who is responsible for any ongoing maintenance and repair costs.

More information is available via this link. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way supports will be provided to eligible Australians with a disability or disease such as younger onset dementia.

The purpose of the NDIS is to provide people with greater choice, individualised support and the flexibility to manage these supports.

For further information and assistance visit Dementia Australia. 

Call: 1800 100 500

Dementia Daily is an accessible, community oriented support centre run by Alzheimer’s Australia that invites comments and interaction from a caring group of users. Includes links to the latest in research, events, shared stories from real life carers and those living with dementia and good quality fact sheets.

Call: 1800 100 500

Alzheimer’s Australia is a great resource online helping those who care for someone with dementia.

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Sources is a national free service funded by the Australian Government. It is operated and administered by Dementia Support Australia (DSA) in partnership with Hammond Care.

It is a good access point to find services and support, from assessment and diagnosis through to referral to other services and more. It contains useful information and practical tips for family carers as well as care workers. There are some eligibility requirements for certain services but information is free.

Call: 1800 699 799

The mCareWatch mobile personal emergency smartwatch has met the Dementia Choice standards and received accreditation endorsement status.

Endorsed by Dementia Choices

Products endorsed by Dementia Choices are designed to create a dementia-friendly environment, allowing people with dementia to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Care organisations can be confident that products endorsed by Dementia Choices provide excellent solutions to the environmental issues often experienced by people living with dementia.

Every product endorsed by Dementia Choices meets rigorous standards. Each is reviewed by an expert Dementia Centre consultant using the Dementia Choices rating tool before a peer-reviewed report is provided.

Council on the Aging

COTA Australia is the peak policy development, advocacy and representation organisation for older Australians, representing COTAs in every State and Territory and through them over 500,000 older Australians.

As well as the national organisation, there are COTA branches in each state which offer location-specific information. Both national and state-specific COTA websites are good starting points for accessing information about issues affecting older Australians (the links are in the footer section of the core website).

It’s a wonderful resource about support and services available to older Australians and amongst many things, it shares case studies and examples of how the elderly access services such as the Home Care Packages, amongst other.

There are a number of organisations that could help and many of these assist by finding you a carer who would be suitable. Ask about the options of utilising your funding via the NDIS or your Home Care Package against these services.

Mable

https://mable.com.au/

Carers NSW

https://www.carersnsw.org.au/

Anglicare

https://www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/home-care/

Aged Care Guide

https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/home-care/categories

Carers Australia

The national advocacy and support body for carers. The website offers a useful digest of information and resources to support carers including links to government support along with its own initiatives and programs. It also offers useful information about carers and the NDIS. You can link through the site to the Carer’s Association in your State or territory for location-specific information.

Carer Gateway

The official Australian government online and phone support site for carers, linking you directly with local support agencies nationally. It includes a guided search section that can help you navigate the caring maze if you’re just starting out, plus advice and information about caring for yourself. There is also a sensitive but practical section about planning for the end of life.