Even for the savviest person, it is often confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming searching for information about, or in making attempts to start, aged care services. It can seem like a maze of dead ends.
The primary aim of ACN is to simplify this process through education; to empower clients and their support people to feel equipped to navigate the system for themselves.
In the first instance, education is used to build an understanding of:
- terminology surrounding the aged care system.
- how to access and prepare for the different types of aged care assessments.
- the different funding models and types of aged care services.
- the range of available Carer supports and specialist dementia specific services.
- important considerations when selecting a service provider for a Home Care Package, private services, or residential aged care.
- how to effectively prepare for a time when a person with dementia is no longer able to communicate their care preferences or treatment decisions, ensuring their care preferences are respected.
Beyond education, if further advocacy and liaison is needed, our aged care navigator can assist to:
- send a referral to My Aged Care to request an assessment for access to aged care services.
- help a client to register support people as representatives with My Aged Care.
- gather relevant clinical and functional information in preparation for an assessment by My Aged Care.
- gather information to compare different service providers and help to select the right provider.
- guide negotiation with service providers to set up Care Agreements that reflect a client’s care preferences and unique needs.
- link with other services and supports outside of the My Aged Care system.
