MONIQUE MANZANERA
Monique Manzanera is Social Worker Haemophilia at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, NSW.
Getting older may mean that day-to-day activities become harder to complete, for yourself or someone you care for. For people with a bleeding disorder, long-term joint issues, pain, or fatigue may add extra challenges over time.
When this happens, you may need extra help from family, friends, or support services to assist with day-to-day activities such as showering, household cleaning, grocery shopping or carrying heavy items, transport to medical appointments, or social support. You may also be interested in allied health support such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and other services.
Accessing support is about maintaining your independence, safety, and quality of life. Many people find that putting supports in place early allows them to stay at home and continue doing the things that matter to them for longer.
If you are aged 65 years or older, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 years or older, or are homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 years or older, you may be able to access help through My Aged Care.
HTC social workers can also assist people and families to navigate My Aged Care or Carer Gateway, eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), help with referrals and paperwork, and advocate alongside you to ensure services are appropriate for your individual needs.
The information below is a snapshot taken from the My Aged Care and Carer Gateway websites. Follow the links to these websites for more information.
COMMONWEALTH HOME SUPPORT PROGRAM (CHSP)
What is it?
Entry-level support to help you maintain your independence and safety while living at home.
What services can I get?
Meals, personal care, nursing care, allied health and therapy, respite (at home, in a day centre, or in an aged care home for a short break), home modifications, home maintenance and repairs, domestic assistance (cleaning, shopping, laundry), equipment and products, transport, social support, community engagement, and more.
Cost
Costs depend on the type of support and the service provider. These services are subsidised by the Australian Government, which generally makes them more affordable than private services. It is important to discuss costs directly with your service provider.
Choosing a service provider:
You can choose your own service provider, or you can ask My Aged Care to choose one for you.
SUPPORT AT HOME
If entry-level supports are not enough to meet your needs, or your needs are more complex, you may be eligible for a Support at Home package.
What is it?
Tailored support to help you live at home for longer. This may include clinical support (such as nursing care, occupational therapy, or podiatry), help with independence (showering, medication support, transport, and respite), everyday living supports (cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal preparation), case management (someone to coordinate your services and review your ongoing care), nutrition support, home modifications, equipment, and products.
There are eight classifications of support, each providing a different level of funding. The level of funding allocated to you is determined during your assessment.
Wait times
There are wait times for Support at Home packages. It is often helpful to explore options early, as you can usually access entry-level supports through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme while waiting for a package to be allocated.
Cost
There is a contribution cost for these services. You can complete an income and assets assessment through Services Australia to determine your contribution.
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
If support services at home are no longer enough to meet your needs, and you would like to live somewhere that provides 24-hour care, you can access residential aged care on a temporary (respite) or permanent basis.
What do I get?
Furnished accommodation, services to meet day-to-day needs, personal care (such as bathing, eating, help with medications, and social activities), and clinical care (including nursing, therapy, and specialised equipment if required).
Costs
There are costs associated with both respite and permanent residential care. It is important to discuss fees directly with the aged care home.
Financial advice
You can contact Centrelink and request to speak with the Financial Information Service, or seek independent financial advice.
SUPPORT FOR CARERS
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming at times. You may worry about leaving them at home alone while you attend to your own appointments or daily activities. You may need help with some of their care needs, or you may simply need someone to talk to. Balancing caring responsibilities with your own wellbeing is important.
Carer Gateway (www.carergateway.gov.au) provides support for carers, including:
• Tailored support packages to assist with practical day-to-day care needs
• Equipment and planned respite to give you or your family a break
• Cooking and cleaning services
• Assistance with shopping and transport to medical appointments
• Counselling for carers
• Financial support
• Planned and emergency respite
IF YOU ARE UNDER 65
If you are under 65, speak with your social worker or counsellor at your Haemophilia Treatment Centre. They can help determine whether you may be eligible for other supports, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Carer Gateway
www.carergateway.gov.au
T: 1800 422 737
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
My Aged Care
www.myagedcare.gov.au
T: 1800 200 422
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 10am to 2pm
Haemophilia Foundation Australia – Getting Older Hub
Services for getting older
www.haemophilia.org.au/getting-older-services
Understanding disability and aged care services
www.haemophilia.org.au/disability-and-aged-care
This article, written by social workers Alex Coombs and Jane Portnoy, explains more about financial support available and the NDIS.
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