Tips for arranging aged care home services

Organising services can take time and persistence. Before you begin your search for services you will need a thorough understanding of a person's care needs.

It may help to meet with a service provider without a family member to discuss your concerns. However, try to include an ageing family member in decision making where you can. 

If you need a range of help look for a provider that has a combination of services. That way you only have to deal with one caseworker. Managing a number of different services can be time consuming and confusing.

Always take down names of people and contact numbers, find out who is in charge and who to speak to in an emergency. Ask people in the community for advice and if a service can’t help you ask them who can. 

What is important to you?

Before you start your search for a home care service provider think about the following:

•  What aspect of care is most important to you and a family member? Privacy? Professionalism?  Experience? Consistency of carers?
•  What is a person's usual routine? Do they prefer a morning or afternoon shower?
•  What time of day do they normally eat their main meal?
•  How would a family member react to a male or female carer?
•  Are there any language or cultural barriers?
•  Are there any particular days you would like to take a break from caring?
•  Is there any information you can give a service to help them care for your family member?
•  How would your family member feel about having a stranger help with personal hygiene?
•  What kind of social activities does your family member enjoy?

Remember an older person's care needs will usually increase over time or they could change suddenly. If you are caring for someone with a chronic illness, what decisions can you make now that will cause the least disruption in the future? Will you have to change service providers if a loved one's care needs change? 

Questions to ask a service

•  What level of service am I getting?
•  Does my family member need an ACAT assessment before accessing the service?
•  Is there a waiting list?
•  Can I choose what time and day I'd like the service?
•  What will happen if care needs change?
•  What happens in an emergency?
•  What happens if I don't like the worker?
•  How much does the service cost?
•  Am I entitled to any benefits?
•  Who will manage my loved one's care?
•  How much do I need to be involved?
•  What if I'm not happy with the service?
•  How long will it take to access the service?
•  How often is the service reviewed?
•  What happens if a person goes on holiday?
•  Will a carer have a set routine? Do I have to wait until my carer turns up?

If you require urgent help inform the service provider. If you are unhappy with a care worker or an arrangement let the service provider know as soon as you can. 

Helpful resources

• To find home care services in your area contact The Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222 or visit Commonwealth Carelink Centres to look up a service in your area.

Tip

Keep a carefolder detailing all your home care service providers and contact numbers. Make sure you have the name and number of your main contact person.

Related articles

• ACAT - How to access aged care services
• How to organise home care for ageing parents
• Hiring in-home help