E12 Retirement Living – Part 1 - Accessing Care at Home

This is the first of a series: Retirement Living

This episode is: Accessing Care at Home

This episode is recorded and contains accurate information as at August 2023

"I want to stay in my own home as long as possible"

We know this to be true for so many people. Yep! Including us!!

In this episode we look at ways you CAN stay in your own home for a long as possible

What are the steps to take to ensure this is possible and where and how to access support and assistance with the daily tasks in your home

Many people start out with a lower level of support, say community-based services such as meals on wheels which is often sufficient initially. This is accessed through Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

A greater level of support at home is available through access to a Home Care Package.

You can find out about these services on the government's age care portal ‘My Aged Care at www.myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422.

The key takeouts from this episode are:

· Start thinking about where you want to live earlier rather than later

· Make sure your home is suitable and safe as you age with low maintenance and access to services and social activities

· Don’t wait to get an ACAT assessment, get a package in place and start to build up a relationship with a good home care provider (make sure they are an Approved Aged Care Provider so you can slowly increase services as you age

· Get respite care added to your assessment for possible future use

· The cost of these services is very reasonable and you can top up your package with privately paid care if needed

As always we encourage you to please email any questions or comments to midlifemoneyquestions@gmail.com

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Financial Disclaimer:

We need to make it super clear though that we will NOT be providing personal financial advice to listeners, but just providing general advice on these topics based on our knowledge and experience.