It is often difficult to discuss aged care with your family and loved ones, as there can be feelings of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, this guide has been prepared to assist you in starting the aged care discussion, navigating the process, and starting to receive care and support that you and your family deserve. At Circle of Hope, we’re proud to support older Australians with flexible, high-quality aged care right in the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re beginning your aged home care Rookwood journey or upgrading your care level, we will help you understand your options and how we can support you in Rookwood and the surrounding suburbs.

What is a Home Care Package?

The Home Care Packages Program is a government-subsidized initiative that enables senior Australians to access necessary services and care, allowing them to continue living independently at home. If you are over 65 years old and eligible for this funding, you can use it to access a range of services to help you connect with the community, remain independent at home, and live life your way. There are currently four levels of home care packages (HCP):

• Level 1: basic level care needs
• Level 2: low-level care needs
• Level 3: intermediate level care needs
• Level 4: high-level care needs

The same type of care and services are provided under each HCP level. The hours of care are increased at each level of care; more hours of care and services are delivered under Home Care Package level 4 compared to level 1.

What services do you receive under your home care package?

Circle of hope services has designed its home care Rookwood services to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life. Our services include:

• Transport for shopping or appointments
• Social support by taking you shopping, banking, or just providing company for a chat
• Domestic assistance for household jobs like cleaning, clothes washing, and ironing
• Personal care assistance with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care, and going to the toilet
• Home maintenance for minor general repairs and care of your house or garden
• Home modification, i.e., installing safety aids such as alarms, ramps, and support rails
• Nursing care where a qualified nurse comes to dress a wound or provide continence advice
• Food services such as providing meals at a community or day center, preparing and storing food, and delivering meals to your home.
• Help with taking your medications.

What is not included in the homecare package?

Anything that isn’t assisting you to live healthy and well at home cannot be funded by your home care Rookwood package. This includes:

• Using the package funds as a source of income for yourself
• Purchasing food, unless you have enteral feeding requirements
• Paying for your accommodation, like home purchases, mortgage repayments, or rent
• Payment of fees for other types of care funded by the Australian Government
• Any home modifications or capital items that don’t assist any of your personal care needs
• To fund your holidays, including travel and accommodation
• Paying for entertainment activities like club memberships or buying tickets to sporting events
• Gambling habits

How to get started with home care in Rookwood?

Once you have made up your mind about getting home care for yourself or your loved ones, here are the basic steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Call My Aged Care

Register at www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to request an assessment.

Step 2: Complete an ACAT assessment

A local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you in Rookwood to evaluate your needs and determine your care level. Assessment teams will help you find the right services to suit your care needs or basic help you require at home.

Step 3: Choose your provider

Once you receive your home care package approval, nominate Circle of hope services to manage your care. We’ll help you make the most of your funding with a tailored home care Rookwood plan.

Step 4: Begin your home care journey

Enjoy compassionate, reliable care in your own home from people who treat you like family.

Why choose Circle of Hope?

Circle of hope services has been serving the Australian market for a very long time and has the expertise and experience to ensure that you are aging with grace and dignity, and not just surviving! We are a government-approved aged care provider that delivers services under the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Our team of trained, multicultural care providers and nurses provides support tailored to your needs, values, and language.

Circle of hope services – offering the right care, at the right time!

Still unsure? Let Circle of hope services help you assess the right option. We offer free care consultations and will guide you through My Aged Care assessments, government funding options, and personalized care planning in Rookwood.