The Big Changes to Home Care - What You need To Know

[@villagelocal]

If you or a loved one is struggling to access the level and quality of home care support services you need, we offer a FREE online training series called the CarePath Navigator Program. You can CLICK HERE To Register 👉 bit.ly/CarePath-Nav

[@montage19]

@villagelocal This was one of my better life decisions to join this great group is full of knowledge and support. Don't think about it. Sign up. We need all the support available

[@dh-s6002]

The sad thing about the domestic assistance changes are that a lot of elderly people who don’t have family to check in on them on a regular basis. Sometimes the only person they have regular contact with is support staff. The support staff also check that there are no changes to the persons health & report if they notice a decline. It just means some people will be worse off & lonelier as a consequence.

[@GiselleBoss21]

Sadly , those who can afford services ( cash up retirees) feel entitled to services ! They are happy to pay $700 for a man to clean their roof and don't blink an eye... yet won't pay for their weekly cleans of 2 hours each because they are " entitled ".... trust me.... they system is unfair... the those who truly "need" will dip out ! Because the retirees get together and pass on how to get as much as they can !

[@GiselleBoss21]

Staff will report and fill out a change of condition form and service providers follow up and action is taken if the clients agrees

[@ASmith-uv4vd]

I will deteriorate.

[@montage19]

@dh-s6002 and Aged Care Providers, mine is one of them. They ask their workers "Not to communicate" on a private level with clients. Why would any carer be told not to have empathy and show sympathy. The name says it, I care "Care" is why all providers of aged care packages should call the workers: Carers Don't get me wrong, everybody's job is of utter importance. On the other hand, people with certificates in Aged Care continue to better themselves with further training. They have shown they are serious in wanting to care for the Elders. Why aren't they encouraged and supported? Thank goodness for good carers who don't follow the advice not to engage, but they could lose their job. There are many times when an untrained worker is despatched to an elderly person. They have no idea how to do the job and what is required They have No idea how to look for warning signs in the for signs of deterioration in their physics and mentally too Them workers are the ones who will not talk, just spend 1 hour in so-called "Personal care" and leave. They go to the next client, clean their house/ unit, and leave. Who keeps the checks on clients' aged related deterioration of body and soul? Great, keep old people at home, because that is, we the elders want that too. We know it will be worse in any aged care facility. If anyone believes that the Goverment changes for 2025 is an improvement for old people? They have to take the shutters off and open eyes wide open. The whole approach to the present situation is sad. No improvement only more pain. My eyes are wide open , I am 78y and getting tired after 7 y of fighting for my right. Imagine yourselfs in 30y time?

[@montage19]

@GiselleBoss21 That is how this is supposed to be. Reality has a different colour in my experience.

[@denisdebhudson6985]

Thank you a little concerning as some like my mother have built up a balance in their HCP. This we use as mentioned for bigger ticket items like a new electric assist recliner, podiatrist modified specific footwear for her foot deformities and new mobility aids. But the 52 hours limit on domestic assistance is inadequate and should be raised.

[@WayToGoOz2]

Thank you for your clear explanations, as much as possible, on the complex changes. The most awful are the ones concerning co-payments which many full pensioners will really struggle with or be unable to afford at all and the unbelievable 1 hour of cleaning a week. It's going to hurt a lot of people.

[@villagelocal]

You're very welcome. I agree that 52 hours of domestic assistance for the whole year is hugely concerning. I'm sure the government and opposition will have more to say about this as it gets debated in parliament. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. Stay well, Jim.

[@annettewalter2273]

1 hour a week is ridiculous it needs to be a t least 2 hours, I shudder to think of the squalor some people will be forced to live in. Another huge blunder from this incompetent, useless government.

[@illawarriorhill70]

Currently, almost no-one on CHSP can get gardening services, because the govt refuses to fund it at a level where providers are willing/able to provide it! Keep in mind that gardening is EXTREMELY high risk for the elderly.

[@MatthewHolding]

Watching the space... seems the caps on cleaning hours may not be applied! A good overall summary, thanks.

[@allanlowe9346]

Thanks Jim for clarification of the changes. I'm currently on a Level 3 package and attended the governeemnt online webinar recently which was advising the planned changes. You have made these changes so much clearer, albeit with further info to come from Govt. as to the finer details. Subscribed and looking forward to your further videos. Keep up this great work as we all need to be fully aware of how we may be affected by the changes.

[@ronaldmansfield.6439]

I worked as a trainee AIN in an aged care home in NSW. I had only been on the floor for a couple of weeks. A new resident had arrived a few days earlier and my immediate impression was that she was palliative I felt sorry for her. She had not been to the loo for a while so they gave her laxatives. The next day they asked me and another trainee to bathe her. I thought this was a bit strange considering her condition. We had just finished bathing her when she lost control of her bowels and made a big mess everywhere. We had to bathe her again and finally we got her settled. When my offsider and I left the room an RN nearly fell in the door and then scolded us for taking so long. She could have helped us. I arrived the next day to be told the unfortunate lady had passed away and that I was to help the undertaker remove her. I was being as respectful as I could but the undertaker just ripped the bed sheets off grabbed her by the legs and with me holding her hands just threw her onto a trolley. He had seen my surpise at his actions and remarked don't worry she's dead. The treatment for this poor lady I thought was totally inadequate. Why put the two most inexperienced nurses together to care for a palliative patient and the laxatives were not such a good idea. The funny thing is both of us trainees thought she was palliative but the RN's did not. Another time I had arranged to have lunch during my break with a disabled young person in another ward. I was having lunch when an RN walked by and asked me what I was doing. She proceded to severely dress me down for having lunch with a resident telling me not to do this again. This happened again when having lunch with another resident and his family. Was I living in Russia? The under staffing is one of the main problems and the old school attitudes of the senior staff. Are they allowed to tell you who you can eat lunch with? All the hardest residents were given to the least experienced nurses. The job was ok but the way the facilities are managed was wanting. Thoroughly disatisfying and sometimes very bad experience as a trainee in this field. Though you felt good for helping people you always had in the back of your mind the disrespectful treatment and stupid decisions by some RN's. They turned me off the job and I quit. The way the senior staff their decisions and the way the undertaker had handled this lady was disgusting.

[@montage19]

Sorry you had to quit, but that was the best decision you could have ever made. I know this sounds cruel, but treatment of old people is cruel and does happen too many times. Facilities and Providers of aged care packages scream as they dont have workers to attend to the elders. They are screaming for workers/ carers but treat them bad. The Gen Z is not accepting this treatment like the generations before, they just leave. Congratulations to have the guts to leave. I am a level 4 Elder with Aged Care and don't blame the young people for refusing this type of treatment. Them old style carers are whining to be overworked but never look at themselves, that they are part of the problems. Interaction of clients with carers should be encouraged and supported in and not punished. Good luck for you in future❤

[@ronaldmansfield.6439]

@@montage19 There seems to be a culture of bullying and favoritism among the RN's.

[@montage19]

@ronaldmansfield.6439 Yes, perhaps more of a power struggle

[@helenwalters3740]

Thank you for explaining the changes

[@judyclarke69]

Thankyou for this info. I'm only a newbee still waiting to start these programs and your info has helped me to understand a little more.. but so much to take in. Hope to hear about these services soon.

[@villagelocal]

You're very welcome!

[@peterferguson2286]

Well presented summary of the major aspects of the upcoming changes. Many thanks.

[@peteranderson4285]

Thanks

[@tc397]

I could never afford to pay 17.5 per cent co payment, thanks Jim for all the information your videos have provided, I now know i need to apply for the NDIS, My family, friends ,doctor and specialist have wanted me to do so, and your videos made me realise they are right, thanks for really fab videos 🎉

[@villagelocal]

Glad to help. All the best to you. Stay well, Jim

[@ASmith-uv4vd]

NDIS ! How old are you ? NDIS can be real tricky and very nasty . Be warned .

[@montage19]

Dear, yes if you are older and lucky to get on NDIS which I doubt, let's assume you get it. When you turn 65 you automatically be transferred to old age. Happened to me. Disability is for either born or required by accident but still you loose out at age 65y totally not fair.

[@tc397]

@ I’m so sorry that happened to you, as they say it to you like you have no choice but you do. My friend who is 69 said no he would stay on NDIS and they said then only then , yes it is your choice, of course they ask again when the plan manager comes and he says no. I have systemic arthritis and I can’t sit up for more than ten minutes so I’m confined to bed, my professor has gone through all medications and the very latest ones but my body rejects them, my skeletal system is collapsing, plus I have eight co morbidities as well . I got knocked back for the highest MCAT Package as they said $59,000 a year will not cover everything I need . I’m basically bed bound and the other diseases cause me issues as well 😔😢 I wish I had my health, I watch people jogging and walking outside my bedroom window and I’m so envious , and I wonder if they know how lucky they are to be able to do that . I am seriously sorry that NDIS kept that from you , they just want to save money at the expense of doing harm to disabled people 😡

[@tc397]

@ I am wondering if they even spoke to you about it, or just did it without your knowledge , it is a disgrace .ps I wrote a message before a moment ago and didn’t hit reply to you, I’m not good with technology sorry

[@debramcpherson7169]

Thank you for your invaluable breakdown of the fees. There is still a lot of tweeking to do.

[@villagelocal]

I agree... the devil will be in the details.

[@GiselleBoss21]

Personally i work in this industry and i can tell you staff are leaving and not returning due to the 2 hrs cleans ! Couples are getting 4 hrs a fortnight because they each have a different provider while a lady whos had a stoke 18 months ago vant get any support ! .... Domestic needs to be done by cleaning companies 🙄 and that will free up the limited staff to provider all the other services !! Because people are missing out !

[@montage19]

Agreed 👍

[@kymcoote6769]

With government changes to support worker with a minimum wage with minimum 2 hours service has increase service costs with services has increase rates up to $145.00 per hour for under 2 services i.e. personal a 2 hour services is not required services generally 45 minutes to one hour. The change around domestic assistance many clients require a weekly services to ensure bathroom and floors are cleaned regularly. If the new model is client focused the the government needs to allow for services that met each individual clients needs not a one size fits all approach.

[@ASmith-uv4vd]

Schads benefits who ? You're right .

[@RiverDanube]

My friend was on the highest care plan but would inly accept a cleaner every couple of weeks. The number of times appointments were cancelled due to no workers being available was rediculous. The provider was apologetic but still getting their admin fees regardless. The big ticket items are an issue but when a previous home help scheme was in place, they were able to provide from a pool of equipment. My parent had a bed, wheelchair, oxygen maker and other things as soon as needed. They were not his, the council provider owned them. There is no reason why many big ticket items couldn’t be hired out. Since this home help is now done on a macro scale, individuals should not have to obtain big items brand new.

[@Robyn19fnq]

Thank you for that information. I am not yet in receipt of services, but may well need them in the foreseeable future.

[@villagelocal]

Any time!

[@59jace]

So wondering for the separate funding say for bathroom modification ,hoping you have more time than a few weeks to use it ie the quarterly payback if not used ,no way in the current environment builder shortages would be built etc,in regional area here ,how will that work I wonder

[@sharoncarlyle3996]

Hi Jim. 52 hrs a year is for cleaning only. If a support worker goes into somebody's home, strip's the bed, puts the washing on, apparently the government don't see this as cleaning! This is classed as domestic assistance. Thanks Sharon

[@villagelocal]

Interesting! Let’s see how this all plays out. One of the things that is front of mind for me is how will the government police all of this? It’s a fine line between what a home care provider will classify as Home cleaning vs Domestic Assistance vs Personal Care… Stay well, Jim.

[@sharoncarlyle3996]

@villagelocal I'm also thinking how are providers going to know if a person has had 1 hr of care management to 6 hrs. If the person has gone over the hours, what does a provider say "sorry you've hit your quota" Will providers have to run the office like a lawyers office? Time how long on phone, time how long to photocopy or print care plans etc. This new single funded model seems to be complicating things. The elderly have trouble now with the HCP.

[@PaulDixon-e3m]

thanks for the info, very helpful and gives us confidence that we wont be dealt with unfairly.

[@alinamichalski9598]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@lodileipoldt4412]

Thank you a lot, this is so helpful. To navigate the home care support at present is already difficult enough and with all these changes in this year 2024 and next year 2025, it is going to be a challenge to know where one is at. I have subscribed and will follow your further clarification. When you are talking home support changes,are you talking Aged Care Packages, NDIS packages or both?

[@villagelocal]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm specifically talking about home support services, I'm talking about Aged Care for people over the aged of 65. The NDIS system is for people under the age of 65. I hope that helps. Stay well, Jim.

[@aurian-lay]

52 hours a year?? Oh Man! And having to contribute 17.5%.. That is going to bite hard into my pension. Would gardening be included in that 52 hours a year? I do like the big-ticket things being more easily accessible. This is going to rock a few boats!

[@villagelocal]

It certainly will. Watch this space! Hope you're well, Jim

[@dolfinwhale80]

Gardening is being limited to 18 hrs per year. Grass sky high full of king brown snakes and 3m palm frond elderly will have to climb over to get through their front door

[@maryl8753]

​@dolfinwhale80 the biggest reasons people need assistance is gardening and cleaning/ domestic assistance. This is not good😮

[@MaruczkaBradshaw]

As level 4 recipient 52 hours pa for domestic help and 18 hours of gardening would finish me being at home. It’s quite terrifying! And less affordable nursing home places… hope they’re offering a euthanasia option

[@ASmith-uv4vd]

The wealthy will manage ok but whinge the most and loudest - how are they even on this system . The full pensioners will deteriorate and suffer quietly until whatever.

[@philomenaclarke2552]

What happens if you already have say, $40,000 level 3, does that mean you lose that and only $1000 is left.? I’ve been on the plan for 3 years and need a few items which have been put on hold. Very confusing I’m afraid some of the care providers are no help to seniors and the poor people with dementia will suffer the most. Look forward to future input

[@villagelocal]

Thank you for your comment. I completely understand the confusion-these changes are creating a lot of uncertainty for many people. To clarify, if you're currently on a Level 3 package and have funds allocated, you won’t lose them outright. The new system, Support at Home, will change the way funds are managed, but it's expected that existing package holders will be transitioned into the new system with considerations for their current support levels. It’s unfortunate that some care providers aren’t offering the guidance and help seniors need during this time of transition. I agree that those with dementia and other complex needs are particularly vulnerable, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these changes will impact them. I’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available to help navigate these changes. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other concerns, and I’ll do my best to clarify things for you. In the mean time, you may want to take a look at the information tat is provided on the VillageLocal Community Hub. It's regularly updated and enables the community to ask additional questions: community.villagelocal.com.au/c/start-here Kind regards, Jim

[@philomenaclarke2552]

Thank you for response much appreciated

[@nikkil2580]

To be fair, providers haven't known the specifics of the changes until days ago. They've been holding until the Govt provided more information. And it's still not complete information. It won't surprise me if it's delayed again as providers will need massive IT changes that will need to be developed to accomodate the new system.

[@diannesadler5823]

Thank you for this informative video, will be watching with great interest for much more about this complicated system we need to try and follow🙂

[@juliereid4078]

thank you .....

[@Veritas2233]

Is this worthwhile at all? My mother has a level 2 package but has never been sent a competent companion carer. She's not satisfied and she needs a recliner armchair to lift her but the one she is comfortable with she can't afford because she doesn't have the Government funds yet. This seems like a waste of time and money and frustrating elderly people.

[@suzannnetendyke9272]

If fully managed and self managed are going to be charged the same quarterly fee, there will no longer be $ savings benefit in self managing?????

[@mazhar6851]

It isn't really about the recipient though. It just keeps businesses going. It is amazing that the provider is allowed to make money off the funds, yet they are restricting it's use to those it is meant for. I wouldn't want a provider that knows nothing about my elderly mother and her needs to have their way with the services she may require. I will not give them that control over my mother.

[@peteranderson4285]

many thanks Excellent explanation; however, what of transitional arrangementsif proposed max $1,000 pm accumulation but what of prior balance say $5,000 at commmencement of new arrangements?

[@villagelocal]

Thank you for tuning in! The final details of the Support at Home Program are still pending, with another government-hosted webinar scheduled this month that should shed more light on what’s to come. One key point that’s come up in previous webinars is a "grandfathering clause." This means that if you're on a Home Care Package before the changes take effect in September, you’re assured that you won’t be “worse off” under the new arrangements - a bit of peace of mind for those currently receiving care. Additionally, for those with accumulated funds, the government has previously mentioned that these funds would carry over under the new system. However, it’s expected that consumers will need to use up their accumulated funds for their care services before receiving additional government payments. That said, all of this is still to be confirmed in the upcoming webinar. I’ll be keeping a close watch on the details as they’re released, so stay tuned! Regards, Jim from VillageLocal.

[@helencook5414]

So....I was approved for yard and housework help but there is no provider..l cannot even get on wait list. Need to be able to use funds to pay someone to help...not limited to special authorised service provider who canno provide service

[@villagelocal]

It sounds like you've been approved for the entry-level program, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Unfortunately, finding availability for services within CHSP can be quite challenging. It might be worth considering a reassessment to see if you qualify for the next level of support. In this video, I’m referring to that next level, known as the Home Care Packages system, which will transition to the Support at Home program in July 2025. All the best to you, Jim

[@Daily4-o3j]

Big demand on services. Large aging population. You will need to contact service providers on a regular basis until they availability.

[@GiselleBoss21]

Thus is were the problems are . Staff are leaving the industry due to the 2 hrs cleans.... ! We can't keep staff.... so the elderly who desperately need services are not a waiting list while others just feel "entitled " to the services...

[@GiselleBoss21]

​@@villagelocalagree.... assessment needs to be signed off by a GP.... so many just feel "entitled " to services... which effectively disables them !.... 🤔

[@faykoussias7293]

Hi Jim, Are there any programs that deliver meals to elderly at home?

[@villagelocal]

Hi, yes there are a number of meal delivery services delivered across the country. Most are delivered as part of the entry level program known as the “Commonwealth Home Support Program” which an older person can be approved for meal delivery as well as other entry level type services. You can also have meal delivery services paid for if the person is approved for the “Home Care Packages” program. You can call the government department, My Aged Care (MAC), on 1800 200 422 to get assessed for access to either of these programs. The department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) also provides access to meal delivery. All the best to you and yours, Jim.

[@djvysy]

Hey bud, enjoy your content - its 'care management' not 'case' incase anyone hasnt mentioned yet

[@villagelocal]

🙏

[@GiselleBoss21]

So question.... 2 hr cleans..... does this effect a couple ? Husband gets 2 hrs one week and wife gets 2 hrs the next week ? Which is double dipping ! Will this still remain ? If not, this will free up staff to help more of the elderly!

[@ASmith-uv4vd]

Everyone has very different requirements to survive comfortably and the program used to allow that ! 17.5% x ? might not be a lot to you but look at the cost of living . I have a small 1 bedroom unit and need a DA for at least 2 hours a week to clean it properly plus check my mail , dispose of my RUBBISH bags , hang out my laundry etc etc . Try speaking to someone developing this system - you can't !!! Email only and don't expect a reply . Politicians want a payrise !

[@dolfinwhale80]

1 hour per week cleaning is not enough. Totally cruel to my mother, who relies on a commode for toileting, 7 days worth of faeces and urine in the commode and she will be sleeping in the same room. Only emptying a commode once per week is cruel.

[@villagelocal]

Actually, emptying a commode would fall under the activity of "Personal Care". So this type of service won't be effected by the 52hr per year cap on "domestic assistance" services. I hope that alleviates some concern for your mum. Take care, Jim.

[@dolfinwhale80]

@@villagelocal thank you, right now mum gets 2 hours per week support worker and it is called ‘domestic assistance’ on mums HCP monthly statement. Support worker does everything - makes mum cup of tea, cleans, vacuums, changes dirty bed sheets etc. So that’s why I’m so worried. They class care as ‘domestic assistance’ on her monthly statement. Will it be called ‘personal care’ as of July 2025.

[@jasminetutt7631]

An hour per week is an absolute disgrace!

[@grungejournals7800]

Oh that’s is aweful re commode.. poor lady