If you’re an older Italian wanting to continue living independently in your own home but require assistance to do so, a Home Care Package might be the answer you’re looking for. A Home Care Package can provide you with the services that best meet your individual needs based on your preferences and offering real choice.
Types of services
The types of service that can be provided through a Home Care Package are varied and may include the following:
- assistance with personal care
- home care
- laundry
- spring cleaning
- assistance with shopping
- meals preparation
- assistance with transport
- community access
- leisure activities
- gardening and home maintenance
- mobility aids and equipment
- personal alarms
- continence management
- clinical services, e.g. nursing, physio, podiatry and other allied health services as required
Levels of care
There are four levels of care available:
Level 1
For people with basic care needs
Level 2
For people with low level care needs
Level 3
For people with intermediate care needs
Level 4
For people with high care needs
An assessment conducted by a Regional Aged Care Assessment Service will determine your eligibility to receive a particular level of package. Once approved, a personalised care plan will be developed in partnership with you, or your representative, and the Care Coordinator. Consumer choice and flexibility are key features of a Home Care Package – you decide what services are needed to achieve your care plan goals!
How do I obtain a package?
If you think you are eligible for a Home Care Package, get in touch with My Aged Care – a government service. Call them on 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website. They will let you know what you need to do next. In most cases there are two options: you will meet with a local assessor from the My Aged Care Regional Assessment Service for a home support assessment, or if you have more complex care needs, you will meet with someone from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for a comprehensive assessment. Once your assessment is undertaken, you will be notified what type of supports My Aged Care will fund to help you stay in your home.
The CO.AS.IT. advantage
CO.AS.IT. provides a culturally specific service geared towards addressing the needs of members of the Italian-Australian community. Our focus is on Italian-specific traditions, culture and ways of doing things. The individual care plan is guided by the needs and wishes of the person needing care and, if applicable, their family carers. All care coordinators have knowledge of the Italian language (and dialects) in order to best facilitate communication and understanding. Download a PDF outlining our fees (last updated 1 January 2023).
More information
For further information on Home Care Packages and eligibility visit www.myagedcare.gov.au. Available on this site is also an information brochure in Italian language on home care packages and how to apply for one.
Alternatively, contact CO.AS.IT. on 03 9349 9000 to speak to a staff member or complete the online enquiry form.
