It has been said that to navigate aged care in Australia’s fragmented social systems, split between different levels of government and various non-government departments, non-for profits, and support bodies, requires a social science degree. To make it easier, CareVision is working with industry experts to generate an easy to use navigator that people can use at all stages of the ageing process to better understand the agencies and support bodies for living well, ageing well. While the navigator is under development, here are some of the key terms and acronyms in Aged Care
Navigate Aged Care
All three levels of the Australian government and the non-government sectors have provisions for various programs involved in the delivery of aged care. The following organisations offer a wide array of social services and aged care support to the elderly and their respective families.
AAA (Alzheimer’s Association of Australia)
Founded in 1982, Alzheimer’s Association of Australia is the peak body for people with Dementia. The rapidly growing, non-profit organisation provides support, counselling, education and information campaign on Alzheimer’s disease and all other forms of Dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association of Australia operates across the country and aims to uplift and give respect to people living with Dementia, their families and respective carers.
Alzheimer’s Association Australia can be reached through the National Dementia Hotline 1800 100 500 or their website www.fightdementia.org.au
AAP (Aboriginal Advocacy Program)
Aboriginal Advocacy Program is a program run by Advocare. AAP works alongside older Aboriginal clients by providing information on their rights, assisting them in identifying the right health care options and accessing social services and aged care systems. AAP also provides assistance to older people are mistreated by their family members or friends; or whether if they are not satisfied with the aged care services they are receiving.
Aboriginal Advocacy Program can be reached through the following hotlines:
- Phone (WA): (08) 9479 7566
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 724 679
- Freecall (Nationwide): 1800 655 566
ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team)
The Aged Care Assessment Team ACAT or ACAS in Victoria, is the governing body that conducts a thorough assessment of an older person’s current situation and determines eligibility to acquire Government-subsidised aged care and social services. It is usually done if the individual has entry level aged care needs and want to avail of home support programs like meals on wheels or transport systems.
Programmes and services offered by non-government organisations do not require a home support assessment or ACAT.
An ACAT assessment is necessary if a person has complex aged care needs and wants to access or do the following:
- Access aged care support and social services through Home Care Packages
- Receive Transition Care
- Get Respite Care for the person’s primary carer
- Move to an aged care facility or nursing home
What to Expect at an ACAT Assessment?
An ACAT member from the local community will hold an interview and discuss how well the individual is doing in his/her everyday life. The ACAT member might ask permission to speak with the person’s team of doctors, family members, friends, and carer to gather supporting information. It is also during the assessment where the applicant will be given information and options as to the services they want to avail.
After the assessment, ACAT will send the outcome of the evaluation through mail. It will include the list of services the applicant is eligible with, as well as other relevant information on aged care support and social services.
It is advisable to get in touch with your local ACAT member to start on the evaluation process, since it may take time for the results and some nursing home facilities have at least a nine-month waiting period.
Learn more about the Aged Care Assessment Test by visiting https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/contact or calling 1800 200 422.
APEA (Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse)
Established in 1998, the Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse aims to increase community awareness and respond to elder abuse by promoting intervention and prevention strategies. To help older people live without fear and protected from abuse, contact APEA through Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line at 1800 372 310.
CACP (Community Aged Care Packages)
The Community Aged Care Packages are personal care assistance and social services funded by the federal government for individuals or older adults with intermediate level care needs. ACAT assesses eligibility and access to aged care services through Home Care Packages, which may include the following:
- Meal, shower, dress and laundry assistance
- Maintaining mobility assistance
- Gardening or home maintenance services
- Temporary respite care for the carer
- Transport to medical checkups, shopping or community activities
Know more about Community Aged Care Packages by dialling 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
CDC (Consumer Directed Care)
Since July 2015, all Home Care Packages are provided under the Consumer Directed Care (CDC) services. This allows person and carer to influence the health care programs and delivery of the services. The CDC platform gives the consumer the following benefits:
- Develop individual care plans with the provider
- Decide and agree on the level of involvement in managing the home care package
- Become more involved in the care and services, how it will be delivered and who will be the care provider
- Understand how the package is funded and get ahold of the expense breakdown
- Go through the ongoing formal reviews with the care provider to ensure that the home care package meets the individual’s needs
Consumer Directed Care can be reached through 1800 200 422.
CAEP (Community Aids and Equipment Program)
The Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP) can be used to fund for the provision of equipment and home modifications for the benefit of people with long-term disability. This program helps improve the quality of life and promote independence through mobility, communications and access to social services. With the aid of today’s technology, the design, range and availability of equipment and technology have widened the horizons of the older adults and people with disability.
The pioneering technology of <CareVision combines human assistive artificial intelligence, voice recognition, connected health devices with secure cloud engine to bridge the gaps in the delivery of aged care.
Through CAEP, families can purchase the CareVision Television and enjoy the benefits of staying connected and involved in their elderly loved ones health care, promoting social inclusion and connection to the community and avoid social isolation