Aged Care FAQ's

If you need care, the first step is to register with My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 or online at www.myagedcare.gov.au. If you’re over 65 or living with a chronic condition, it’s a good idea to register - even if you don’t need services immediately.

When you register, you’ll be asked about the type of care and support you need:

• Basic Needs: You might receive a code for services funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (entry-level support).
• Complex Needs: You’ll have an assessment to determine if you’re eligible for a Support at Home Package. These packages offer higher levels of funding and tailored services to help you stay safe and cared for at home.

After your assessment, you’ll get a letter from My Aged Care confirming your approval and package level. Keep in mind there may be a wait before your funding becomes available.

Now it’s time to choose a provider! Think about the services you need and find a trusted local provider to support you.

At Holistic Horizons, we make it easy by:

• Assigning an experienced care manager to develop your care plan.
• Coordinating all your services so you can stay supported at home.
• Providing open communication and personalised, respectful care.

Holistic Horizons, we offer a wide range of services, including:

• Personal Care: Help with showering and dressing.
• Domestic Support: Keeping your home clean and tidy.
• Social Support: Assistance with shopping and medical appointments.
• Transport: Helping you stay connected to your community.
• Meal Preparation: Hands-on cooking support or help accessing services like Meals on Wheels.
• Medication Management: Prompting or administration.
• Nursing: Wound care, diabetes management, and general check-ups.
• Allied Health Services: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and more.
• Gardening & Home Maintenance: Including modifications if needed.

Here’s a simple breakdown of fees:

• Co- contribution fees: If you are full pension recipient Independence (social support, transport ) 5%
  Part pensioner between 5-50% as determined by Services Australia income and asset assessment.
  Self funded 50%. Everyday Living supports ( domestic assistance, gardening, meals) full pensioner 17.5%, part pensioner between 17.5%- 80% (as per Assessment) self funded 80%.
• Basic Daily Fee: Good news! At Holistic Horizons, we don’t charge this fee.
• Care Management Fee: Covers your care manager’s services and is deducted fortnightly from your Home Care Package funds.

• Exit Fee: We don’t charge exit fees! If you switch providers, you will need to give us 14 days written notice of your intent to change to another provide and any leftover funds are rolled over to your new package after 70 days.

• These are determined by Services Australia and built into your quarterly budget- your co-contribution fees are paid monthly- in the first week of the month via direct debit or Centrepay if you wish- directly out of your pension.

• Meal delivery can be from a number of meal providers such as Lite and Easy, Camerons Kitchen, Top Nosh, B2Care and many others. There will be an amount that the package can contribute towards purchase of your meals that your Care Manager will advise you about, this will cover the 70% that your package can contribute. The remaining 30% you pay directly to the meal delivery organisation.
  
  Co-contribution fee- there is a co-contribution fee towards meals full penion 17.5%, part pension between 17.5-50%, self funded 80% this goes towards the 70% that the package will pay for your meals. This is collected by the provider monthly.

Yes! You can make voluntary contributions to “top up” your package and access additional services if needed.

If your needs grow beyond your allocated funding, your care manager will work with you to adjust your services within your budget. If there’s a significant change in your condition, we can request a review with My Aged Care to reassess your level of support.

We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business, which means we bring a personal, responsive, and caring approach to everything we do. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Person-Centred Care: Our clients are at the heart of our business. We tailor our services to support each individual in achieving their full potential.
• Family Involvement: We value and welcome family input, working collaboratively to provide the best care possible.
• Clear Communication: We prioritise open, honest, and transparent communication to keep everyone informed and confident in the care provided.
• Registered Charity: As a registered charity, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the community. This means we reinvest in improving services and supports for our clients rather than focusing on profits.