Q1. I want to stay at home. What are my options for accessing care?

A. Queensland’s aged care system offers an ever increasing range of services designed to assist people to stay in their homes. Most have some form of Government subsidy – either under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program or the Community Care Packages program.

The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program – provides services from a number of different agencies with the primary objective to enhance the quality of life of frail aged and younger people with a disability and their carers, enabling them to live as independently as possible in the community. Services provided may include home help, personal care, home modification and maintenance, allied health and nursing services, respite care, social and carer support.

Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) are designed for the individual based upon their particular needs and includes a range of services such as personal care, social support, assistance with work around the home and social activities.

Veterans Home Care offers similar services to the Home and Community Care Services for veterans.

Carer Support Services and Programs assist carers of people in the community and supports them in their caring role. These services may include respite care, education services and financial assistance.

Private Services provides a range of programs and services to assist you living as independently as possible.


Q2. How do I find a service to suit me?

A.It is becoming easier to find services thanks to the internet. One option is to click here. This will enable you to search by postcode for services. You will know that these services choose to stay up to date with developments in community care through their membership of Aged Care Queensland.

There is also a compete list of Home and Community Care funded services by region at this page, www.health.qld.gov.au.hacc/default.asp


Q3. I don't intend going into a hostel or a nursing home so why do I need to have an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment?

A. An ACAT assessment is the 'passport' to many services including community aged care package (CACPs) services and respite services as well as other Home and Community Care (HACC) Services. The assessment is valid for twelve months and is essential if you wish to access CACPs, Respite and high or low care residential aged care services. You can contact your nearest ACAT by contacting Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

Q4. My wife and I are in our early 80s, are both attending a heart specialist and are in reasonably good health. We live in an apartment and we see no need to move to a retirement village just to down size. Our plan is to stay here until one of us is in need of nursing care or until one of us passes away. What do we need to do should one or both of us need to enter a nursing home or should we decide to remain here with the aid of visiting carers?

A. variety of services are available to assist you to remain in our own home as long as is possible. These programs may be funded or subsidised from state or commonwealth governments or available from private for profit providers. For some community based services and for entry into residential care you will require an assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Service. This assessment will determine your needs and the level of care that you may require. You can find information about your local Aged Care Assessment Service from Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222.

Q5. I have recently moved to Queensland from Canberra. I was receiving services to assist me at home, particularly with my personal care. These services were provided through the Home and Community Care Program from a not for profit organisation in the territory. Since moving to Queensland I have found that, although I am eligible for services, the level of services I get is significantly less. Can you explain to me why this may be so and what avenues are available for me to be active in improving the level of services for myself and others in Queensland.

A. Recent figures derived from the Home and Community Care Program national Minimum Data Set clearly indicate that there is a difference in the amount of hours people receive in different states and territories. These figures do indicate that services in Queensland are much lower than in other states. The Queensland Community Care Coalition is a collaborative group of peak organizations who are seeking to improve the level of funding to Community Care in this state. This group is running a campaign to raise the level of awareness with federal politicians. If you would like further information or would like copies of the postcards please contact the Coalition Secretariat on 07 3725 5515.