Why register?
Who is My Aged Care for?
If you’re over 65 years old and not linked with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, My Aged Care is the starting point for you to access funded supports through the aged care system. My Aged Care provides a single point of contact for older Australians entering the aged care system—and your carers and family members—to ensure you can easily find and access the right government-funded services to support your independence.
Registering with My Aged Care is the first step towards accessing these funded supports. You can register with My Aged Care by contacting their help line on 1800 200 422. The team at My Aged Care will gather some details about your situation and the supports you rely on, and then connect you with an aged care assessor.
When you register with My Aged Care, a record is created with a summary of your personal situation. As you progress through an aged care assessment towards receiving services, your summary will be shared with the people involved in coordinating your support, so you don’t have to keep repeating your story to different people.
What to expect from My Aged Care
Understanding the process.
After you’ve registered with My Aged Care, an aged care assessor will make an appointment with you. They will have a conversation with you to understand your situation and the supports you rely on.
Together, you will come up with a support plan, and your aged care assessor will begin to connect you with any ‘low-level’ funded supports you’ll need to remain independent. You can choose which service providers you want to be referred to, including Guide Dogs!
‘Low-level’ funded supports are generally provided at a subsidised rate (meaning the Government will pay for some of the total cost). Some providers will ask for a co-payment from you to make up the remaining cost, but we don’t. Services and supports from Guide Dogs do not require co-payments.
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to common questions
Is there a cost for an aged care assessment?
No. There is no cost for an aged care assessment.
What will the aged care assessor want to know when they visit me?
All aged care assessments follow national guidelines that your assessor will adhere to. During the assessment, your assessor will ask about your strengths and abilities, areas where you have difficulty, and the supports that might best meet your needs and goals. They may ask about the services you already access, and about the things you rely on for support, including a family member, carer, or a Guide Dog!
If your support plan identifies a need for low-level funded supports, your assessor can start referring you directly to service providers who can assist.
What if the aged care assessor does not understand my needs?
Aged care assessors are highly experienced in their field, but some may need additional information to understand how to assist a person who is blind or has low vision. If your assessor is unsure of what support you may need, you can contact our Customer Service team 1800 804 805.
We’ll reach out to the assessor and let them know about the range of services available to people who are blind or have low vision. Alternatively, ask the assessor to refer you to Guide Dogs. We’ll be able to review your support plan and ensure that you have everything you’ll need.
Why do I need an aged care assessment if I’m not physically frail?
Aged care assessments are not just about your level of physical fitness. An assessor can also make a referral for Vision Advisory Services like Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, and Orientation & Mobility. Your assessor will take a holistic approach to ensuring your independence and safety is future-proofed.
What are low-level funded supports?
Depending on your situation, your assessor can include a range of services in your support plan. These are supports provided on an episodic, or ‘low-level’ ongoing basis. Following your assessment, your assessor can start referring you directly to service providers for low-level funded supports.
These could include help around the house, with meals, or for personal care. If it’s appropriate, your assessor can also make referrals for home maintenance or home modifications, and for allied health and therapy services. Many of these services can be provided by your local council. Your assessor will be able to explain whether any of these supports would require a co-payment from you.
What if I need a piece of equipment?
Generally, your assessor can make a referral for a Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) code to access some items up to a maximum value per year. To access items under this you will need a registered prescriber. Our staff at Guide Dogs Victoria are recognised as registered providers and can assist you to access equipment to help you achieve your goals. Your assessor can give you more information on this and if there are any co-payments required from you for these items.
What if I need more than low-level funded supports?
If your assessor recognises that you have more comprehensive in-home care needs, then you may receive approval for the Support at Home program. The Support at Home program allocates funds to you, which can be used to pay for higher level in-home aged care services.
What is a Support at Home classification?
A Support at Home classification provides a pool of funds that which can be used to pay for higher level in-home aged care services. Depending on your situation, your assessor may approve you for a Support at Home classification between 1and 8.
Each Support at Home classification provides you with an annual budget and each classification increases in value. These funds are used to pay for the services and equipment needed to maintain your independence within your home and community.
What happens after I’ve been approved for the Support at Home program ?
If you are approved for Support at Home, you will receive a Notice of Decision letter from your assessor. The letter will contain information about the services you are approved to receive and a copy of your support plan. There will also be information about the reasons and evidence supporting the assessor’s decision, as well as your rights to have the decision reviewed if you disagree with it.
The Support at Home program uses a priority system to ensure that funding is allocated equitably. Priority categories are chosen based on the information collected during your assessment. Waiting time to receive funding is dependent on the priority category and may range from 1 month (urgent) to 11 months (standard).
When your Support at Home funding becomes available, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care inviting you to activate your funding by selecting a Support at Home provider within 56 days of the date of your letter. A Support at Home provider is a registered organisation that manages your funds There are many organisations that you can choose as your Support at Home provider. You can ask your aged care assessor to help you select a provider suited to your preferences.
When you have selected your preferred provider, they will appoint a Care Partner to coordinate your in-home care and handle any invoices.
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