Home Care Packages are a great way to receive support in your own home that will help you remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. For many older Australians, Home Care Packages are a Godsend when you have care needs but aren’t yet ready to move into an aged care facility. However, while there is plenty of upside to Home Care Packages, waiting times to receive one from the Australian Government can often be frustratingly long. And during that time, many people experience stress, uncertainty or a decline in their health and wellbeing while waiting for their assigned services to begin.
So, what do you do if you’re left waiting for a package of essential Home Care services that’s going to be awhile coming – but your care needs aren’t going anywhere? Here are some ideas to help bridge the gap while waiting for your government-funded package to be assigned.
Access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
While you wait for your Home Care Package, you may be eligible to receive interim services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This program provides entry-level support for tasks such as:
- Cleaning and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Transport
- Personal care
- Social support
The CHSP is designed to help older Australians with lower-level needs, but it can offer valuable help in the meantime. Speak to My Aged Care or your approved provider to see what’s available in your area.
Use private home care services
If your needs are more complex, or if you’re finding it difficult to cope, private home care is a reliable and immediate solution. While it is not subsidised by the government, many providers (including ours) offer flexible, fee-for-service support. You can choose the services you need – whether it’s a few hours of help each week or daily care – and scale it up or down as needed.
Private services may include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Medication support
- Housekeeping and meal preparation
- Nursing or allied health services
- Respite care for family carers
This option gives you peace of mind and ensures your health and safety aren’t compromised during the waiting period.
Get help from family or friends
If the above options aren’t feasible, see if help is possible from family or friends. While they may not be able to help in many ways, even small contributions can be helpful during this period of time. Tasks such as meal preparation, household chores, transport or just a social visit may all take the stress off, and provide enough support for you to manage while waiting for more in-depth services.
Tap into community and volunteer support
Local community organisations such as Meals on Wheels, councils, churches, and neighbourhood centres often provide practical support and companionship. These services might include:
- Volunteer transport
- Shopping help
- Friendly visiting
- Group activities or social outings
- Meal provision
While these supports aren’t a substitute for personal care or clinical help, they can make a big difference in day-to-day life and reduce feelings of isolation.
Access respite care in an aged care home
Many aged care facilities offer respite care – short-term accommodation in the facility which allows an older person to receive the assistance they need for a short period of time. You’ll receive assistance with meals, personal care, daily activities, medication or nursing care and social engagement while you’re staying in a safe and supportive environment. Care is available for up to 63 days each financial year, and can be accessed on a planned or emergency basis.
Finley Regional Care offers respite care – get in contact here to find out more.
Research providers
While waiting for a Home Care Package, spend your time wisely and do some research so that you can act immediately your funding arrives. Investigate approved Home Care Package providers in your area so you can make the best decision once your funding comes through. Think carefully about how you want to spend your Package as well, and what spread of services would best be able to meet your needs.
Stay in contact with your provider
Once you’ve chosen a Home Care Package provider, stay in touch with them while you wait. A good provider will check in regularly, offer guidance, and help you plan for when your package becomes available. Some providers, like us, offer “interim care” arrangements — temporary support on a private-pay basis that can transition seamlessly into your funded package once it’s assigned.
Keep My Aged Care updated
It’s essential to notify My Aged Care if your circumstances change. If your health or support needs worsen while waiting, you may be eligible for a higher-level package sooner, or moved to a priority position on the national queue. You can request a reassessment through My Aged Care or ask your GP or care provider to assist.
Take care of your health and safety at home
While waiting, try to stay active, eat well, and keep your home safe. Simple steps like removing tripping hazards, installing grab rails, or arranging medication reminders can prevent accidents and hospital visits.
Waiting for a Home Care Package can be frustrating, especially when your needs are immediate – but there are steps you can take to stay supported and safe in the meantime. Whether it’s through CHSP, private care, or community services, you don’t have to go through this period alone.
At Finley Regional Care, we’re here to help. From navigating the aged care system to providing short-term and long-term support, our team is ready to step in when you need us most – even before your package is assigned.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you bridge the gap and keep living confidently at home.
