How it works?
Australians who are older, stay at home for as long as possible is more than a preference. It's a source of comfortand dignity. In an environment where personalized support is increasingly in demand, government-funded Home Care Packages have become an integral part of ageing well. However, over the years, more people are opting to self-manage their packages instead of relying wholly on a provider to handle every detail for them.
At first, the term sounds somewhat intimidating. Anything that is "self-managed" in the title tends to conjure up images of a heavy workload or complicated responsibilities. But in truth, all self managed home care packages means is that there is more choice for you, more control for you, and more say by you as to how your care is delivered.
Importance of self-management
Self-management changes that dynamic. Instead of having the provider being the central organiser, the person receiving care takes most of the day-to-day decision-making. You still have a registered provider behind the scenes-this is a Government requirement-but their role is now more administrative and less hands-on. They manage your funds appropriately, submit necessary claims, and support you to meet compliance rules; you stay in charge of selecting and managing your support workers.In other words, self-management hands the steering wheel back to you.
How self-managed packages actually work in daily life.
Self-managing doesn't mean doing it all alone. It simply means you're the one calling the shots for your care. You might select, for example, instead of a provider sending along a rostered cleaner whom you have never met, a trusted neighbour, an independent support worker, or someone recommended by your family. You are able to negotiate rates directly and organize times that genuinely suit your routine.Many older adults also prefer the freedom that comes with self-managed home care packages, since it allows them to choose workers they're comfortable with while still having a provider handle financial administration.
The Level of Control You Gain
One of the biggest draws to self-management relates to the very real opportunity to shape your own care in truly personal ways. You have greater control over:
- Your budget:
You can put your funds where they are most needed. If there is a need for more transportation money compared to meal preparation, you can reallocate, or when more cleaning help is needed, say, due to seasonal changes.
- Your staff:
You choose people based on not only skills but also based on connection and compatibility. Most people have strong instincts about the people who come into their homes, and self-management respects those instincts.
- Your schedule:
You decide when the services take place, without being limited by provider availability blocks or rotating rosters.
You - or a family member acting on your behalf - will usually handle the following:
- Coordinating and booking support workers
- Negotiating pay rates
- Approving invoices with regard to the care actually provided
- Keep track of spending to stay within budgets
- Communicate with your workers about your needs
- Keeping simple records or receipts when necessary
The provider that you choose still undertakes the official administration, such as holding your package funds, meeting government requirements, lodging claims, and ensuring that all services provided fall within Home Care Package guidelines.These responsibilities feel relatively manageable—even enjoyable—to some people; for others, particularly those who would just as soon not have to handle scheduling and paperwork, fully managed care may still feel preferable.
