Dementia and cognitive decline present a significant barrier to maintaining independence while ageing in place. The number of people currently living with dementia in Australia is estimated to be around 400,000.
The desire for independence does not diminish with age. If anything, it becomes more important as we grow older. With over 3.8 million Australians currently aged 65 and over (projected to increase to 8.8 million by 2057), an ever-increasing proportion of Australia’s population faces the challenge of maintaining independence in later life.
Research suggests the vast majority of Australians want to age in place in familiar communities, thus minimising dependence on others and avoiding institutionalisation. However, for those with dementia and cognitive decline, that independence is threatened without additional support services designed to offer help in this specialised area.
Fortunately, there are avenues for those living with dementia and cognitive decline as well as their families and carers, to receive assistance to help maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
What is the Dementia and Cognition Supplement for Home Care?
The Australian Government offers a range of personal services, support services, and clinical care programs to support people living with dementia so they can stay independent in their homes and communities for longer. The types of support services people can access will depend on their individual needs, and service availability may differ across regions; however, all programs offer choice and flexibility.
The Australian Government subsidises organisations to provide home care services to those eligible. The dementia and cognition supplement for home care is one such government support service that helps home care providers with the cost of caring for those with dementia and cognitive decline ageing in place.
If a loved one currently accesses support elements from an approved Home Care Package, the home care provider may be eligible for monetary subsidies to assist in the care of the person receiving in-home care. The supplement rate varies depending upon the Home Care Package level.
Who is Eligible for the Supplement?
People who have moderate to severe cognitive impairment are eligible for the supplement. However, a diagnosis of dementia alone is not sufficient as a person diagnosed with dementia may not be moderately or severely cognitively impaired. Therefore, care recipients with lower levels of cognitive impairment may not be eligible for the supplement.
The supplement automatically applies to the following types of flexible care:
⦁ Multi-Purpose Services
⦁ National Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
⦁ Transition Care Program
What are the Steps to Accessing this Supplement?
Home care providers must undertake an assessment of the care recipients eligibility for subsidy using one of the assessment tools provided on the Department of Health website. The site also specifies who should complete the assessments. Once the results are recorded, and proof of eligibility is added to the care recipient’s records, an application form (AC014) should be completed and submitted to Services Australia.
How can Home Care Assistance (HCA) help?
HCA is an industry leader in the provision of in-home care services. We can help guide you through the process of applying for a Home Care Package, or if you already have one, help you efficiently utilise your Home Care Package subsidy to ensure your health, home and well-being needs are met, enabling you to live safely and independently at home.
Where the dementia and cognition supplement for home care is concerned, we can assist in assessing eligibility, arranging the assessment, and applying to the government on behalf of the client.
We understand that to maintain true levels of independence, it is essential for seniors to be involved in their own care. Accordingly, older Australians need access to a flexible range of care and support services that meet their specific current needs and, to the extent possible, maintain or restore their independence and wellness. Home Care Assistance is ready to help you on that journey.
