Care Packages

Community Care Packages are individually planned and coordinated packages of care designed to assist frail older people who wish to remain living in their own home.

There are a number of different package types, each designed to meet the specific needs of the package recipient.

• A Community Aged Care Package (CACP) provides care for eligible people who are assessed as requiring low level care.
• An Extended Aged Care at Home Package, either general or dementia specific (EACH & EACHD), provides care for eligible people who are assessed as requiring high level care.

What help is available?

Regardless of the package type, services are very flexible and designed to help with individual care needs. The types of services which may be provided as part of a CACP include: personal care, social support, home help and meal preparation. In addition to the above services an EACH or EACHD may provide services such as registered nursing care, care by a physiotherapist, assistance with oxygen and/or enteral feeding or provision of equipment such as showering or toileting aids.

What is care management?

Care Management consists of a number of tasks, such as, assessing care requirements, planning, managing and coordinating services, as well as ongoing monitoring of client safety and responding to changes in care needs.

How can I access a Community Care Package?

To receive a Care Package you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) as requiring at least low level care. Information on your local ACAT can be found at your GP, hospitals, community centres or just phone the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853. ACAT assessments are free of charge.

How much will I have to pay?

The maximum fee chargeable by a provider is set by the Department of Health and Ageing. For an older person on a single pension the fee may not exceed 17.5% of that pension. People on a higher income may be asked to pay additional fees. Arcare is committed to ensuring that no one is excluded from a package as a result of fees. Fee contributions are discussed with each person in accordance with Department guidelines and are considerate of the person’s individual circumstances.

Need to know more?

To find out more about care packages please call the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au or phone Arcare directly on 1300 726 291.