Senator Fifield has now announced a HUGE change to Government Funding regulations.

From February 2017 Consumers will be able to choose

1. If a consumer moves house or even interstate,  the Govt funded In Home Care package follows them to a new provider of their choosing, including any unspent monies. At the moment, when a consumer leaves a package, the package, plus any unspent monies, stays with the Approved Provider, and the consumer needs to re-apply for a package with the new provider (more waitlists, and interrupted services).

2. There will be a consistent National system where everyone applies through the MyAgedCare website. There will be a National Prioritising Process which will look at urgency of Medical needs and how long they have been waiting for a package, all based on individual needs and circumstance. At the moment, Packages are given on a needs basis, but also criteria like specific groups and areas, and availability of Approved Providers in that area are taken into account.

3. There will be more Approved Providers and more In Home Care Packages on offer, so consumers will experience a wider choice and hopefully less waiting lists.

Unhooking the Government Funding from the Approved Providers means you won’t have to negotiate, beg or plead with them as to how your money is spent nor will you have to remind them to follow the Government Guidelines regarding your 9 new rights.

Daughterly Care is really looking forward to the full and proper introduction of Consumer Directed Care. Elders will then be able to manage their own benefit (or their spouse or adult children).  Elders’ Government subsidy will be held for you by a company of your choosing and you will be able to buy services suited to your individual care needs.

If that was the case now, Daughterly Care could provide MORE hours of direct care than Level 3 and 4 Government Subsidised clients now typically receive due to our Live In Care service. That’s the sort of increased efficiency, productivity and creativity that the Government is looking for…that’s the true benefit of Consumer Directed Care!