We understand that finding some providers in your area can be really challenging, we suggest trying the steps below to help you find a suitable provider:

1. Keep Calling Providers: Persistence pays off! Continue reaching out to aged care providers in your local area. Ask if they have availability or if you can be placed on a waitlist. Sometimes, spots open unexpectedly.
2. Ask About Waitlists: Inquire about waitlists directly. Providers often maintain waitlists for their services. By getting on a waitlist, you’ll be notified when a spot becomes available.
3. Contact My Aged Care: If you’re still having trouble finding a provider, reach out to My Aged Care. They can assist you in locating suitable providers based on your needs and location.  Find a provider (myagedcare.gov.au)

Remember, patience and persistence are key. Keep exploring your options, and you’ll find the right aged care services for your needs.

You can take the following steps to get assistance for your parent:

1. Call My Aged Care: Contact My Aged Care, a government service that provides information and access to aged care services. They can guide you through the process and provide information about available services. 1800 422 200 or www.myagedcare.gov.au
2. Carer Gateway: If you are also a carer, consider connecting with the Carer Gateway. They offer support, resources, and services specifically for carers.  CarerGateway or call 1800 422 737

We know it’s frustrating to have to wait for services, when it comes to accessing aged care services at home, here’s what you need to know:

Wait Times for Assessments:

• Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) are experiencing lengthy wait times.
• If you are already connected with your local RAS or ACAT, contact them directly.

Wait Times for Home Care Packages:

• After you’ve been assessed for a Home Care Package (HCP), you’ll be placed on a waiting list.
• The actual waiting time depends on the national priority system. People with higher care needs receive priority¹.

Urgent Support:

• If you need urgent support, consider the following steps:
  • Stay in Contact:If you’re waiting for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, keep in touch with local providers or My Aged Care to check availability.
  • Approved Home Care Package: If you’ve been approved for a Home Care Package, find out your expected wait time by either contacting My Aged Care or logging into your Online Account using myGov.

Remember that your care needs are essential, and while waiting, explore any temporary support options available to you. Urgent cases may receive priority, so don’t wait to ask for help.

After you have been assessed and found eligible, you will get a letter from My Aged Care confirming that you’re approval for a Home Care Package. The letter will detail your package level and explain that you are on a national waiting list and the next steps as you wait to be assigned a referral code for your package.

For more information and next steps, call My Aged Care 1800 200 422 or visit Aged Care website to help you be prepared once the package is assigned to you.

It’s great that you’re planning ahead. To ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to your home, follow these steps:

1. Speak to Hospital Staff:
   • Before your discharge, have a conversation with the hospital staff. Let them know about your need for assistance at home.
   • They can help you organise the necessary support services and connect you with relevant resources.
   • They’ll coordinate with community care providers to ensure a smooth transition.
2. Contact My Aged Care (if applicable):
   • If you’re eligible for aged care services, consider reaching out to My Aged Care. They can guide you through the process and connect you with suitable providers.
   • My Aged Care can help arrange services like home care, nursing, and allied health support.

Remember, planning makes sure that you receive the right support when you return home. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek assistance from the hospital staff—they’re there to help.

To receive financial advice related to Income Tested fees and Residential Aged Care Fees, consider the following steps:

1. Contact Services Australia: Reach out to Services Australia, the government agency responsible for aged care services. You can call them at 1800 227 475 to discuss your specific situation. They can provide information about fees, eligibility, and financial assessments.
2. Aged Care Specialist Officer: Alternatively, you can speak directly with an Aged Care Specialist Officer. They have expertise in aged care matters and can guide you through the process. You can find their contact details on the My Aged Care website or inquire with Services Australia.

Remember that seeking financial advice is important to make informed decisions about your aged care options. The advice can help you understand the fees, subsidies, and payment arrangements based on your individual circumstances.

Going to respite, or moving to a residential aged care facility, involves several steps. There is information available to help you through the process:

1. Contact My Aged Care:
   • To stay at a Residential Aged Care facility, whether temporarily (Respite) or permanently, you need a referral code(s) from ACAT.
   • To arrange short-term Respite, to stay at a Residential Aged Care Facility, please contact Care2Serve and speak with a Respite Booking Officer on 1800 422 737. The Booking Officer will guide you through the process, advise on availability for Respite in your area and make a booking for you.
   • Finding a Residential Care Facilities for permanent care, reach out to My Aged Care (phone: 1800 200 422) to start the process. They will guide you through the steps and provide information.  You can find local providers that meet your needs using the Find a provider tool
2. Choose a Suitable Facility:
   • Research and visit different residential aged care facilities. Consider the location, services offered, staff qualifications, and the overall environment.
   • Ask about waiting lists and availability. Some facilities may have a waiting period.
3. Sort Your Personal Affairs:
   • Before moving, make sure your personal affairs are in order. This includes legal matters, finances, and any necessary paperwork.
   • Get advice from a legal professional or financial advisor to help you make informed decisions.
4. Packing and Moving:
   • When it comes to packing your house, consider hiring professional removalists. They can safely pack your belongings, transport them to your new residence, and unpack at the other end.
   • Some aged care facilities may help with the moving process. Inquire about their services and whether they can recommend reliable movers.
5. Settle In Comfortably:
   • When you move into the aged care facility, meet with the manager. Let them know if you need anything to settle in.
   • Your family members, carer, or a friend can visit you to help you become familiar with the place.

Remember, you’ll maintain control over your personal matters, privacy, and daily decisions even after moving. Take your time to find a facility that suits your needs and preferences.

It’s great to hear that you have a good relationship with your support workers/carers! To address your concerns, we recommend:

Reach Out to your Aged Care provider, Case Manager or Clinical Nurse Manager:

• Contact your Provider and/or Case Manager at your Aged Care provider or your Clinical Nurse Manager at your Residential Facility. They can help you sort out the issues you’re experiencing. Most service providers have a feedback and complaints process that encourages clients/residents to share their concerns.
• We know it can be hard to have difficult conversations sometimes, so to help you feel more confident and provide tips on how to “speak up” and progress your issues, check out the Older Person Advocacy Network Toolkit: Older Person Advocacy Network Toolkit.
• Other useful tips and advice can be found on My Aged Care https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/contact-us/complaints#concernsserviceprovider 

Seek Advocacy Support:

• If you still can’t resolve the problem, you can contact the local Older Person Advocacy Network for additional support. You can reach them at 1800 700 600 or check their website for more information. Home – OPAN

Escalate to the ACQSC:

• You can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) to escalate your concerns at agedcarequality.gov.au or call 1800 951 822.

Explore New Providers:

• If you still can’t find a solution, consider looking for a new provider in your area using the My Aged Care Find a Provider tool

• If applicable, seek assistance from a Care Finder to help you navigate your options.

It’s important to feel comfortable, safe and supported wherever you live.

It’s true that changes are happening! These changes were announced on September 12, 2024. Right now, it’s a bit early to know all the details, but you can find more information on the My Aged Care website. They are regularly updating it with news about the new Aged Care Act, the Support at Home program, changes to residential care, and other important updates from the Australian Government. To stay informed, you can check out these links: Big Changes in Aged Care Sector and My Aged Care News and Updates.

The Care Finder program delivers a national face-to-face network of Care Finders supporting vulnerable older people, who do not have a trusted support person to help navigate and assist them to access aged care services and other relevant supports in the community.

It was developed in response to findings from the Aged Care Royal Commission that the complexity of the aged care system can be a challenge for some older people seeking to understand and access aged care support.

The care finder program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Care finder services have been commissioned and managed through the Primary Health Networks across Australia and will complement existing aged care advocacy services.

COTA Tasmania has been contracted by Primary Health Tasmania to deliver the care finder service across Tasmania.

COTA Tasmania is a statewide Care Finder provider.

We offer support across Tasmania with offices in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, which includes supporting people in rural and remote areas across Tasmania.

Please contact our Intake Team on 1800 518 048 during office hours Monday to Friday, or email carefinder@cotatas.org.au