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What is an Extended Aged Care at Home package?
Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) packages are coordinated packages of care services that enable older people with high care needs to remain living in their own homes. The program is designed for people who would otherwise require care in a nursing home.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to receive a package, your needs must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who will decide if your care needs require an EACH package or whether another care program may be more appropriate for you.
This assessment is free. Your doctor will be able to arrange a referral to an ACAT for you, or if you prefer, you may contact an ACAT yourself.
How is EACH arranged?
When a package is available you will be allocated a Service Coordinator who will meet with you to discuss your care needs and the services available to support you.
Your Service Coordinator will give you information so that you can make informed choices about the services that you can receive.
You and your family or representative will be given every opportunity to discuss the types and level of care to be provided.
The Service Coordinator will plan and implement the services that make up your package and will give you a copy of your care plan setting out the service details.
What services are available?
Care management – a Service Coordinator who is a health professional, will visit you regularly at home to plan your care and ensure it is provided appropriately. Your Service Coordinator will be the contact person for you and your family and the liaison person for other service providers.
Other services that may be provided as part of your package include:
- Home Care - including house cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
- Personal Care - assistance with bathing, showering and hygiene
- Nursing and allied health
- After Hours Support Service
- Aids and equipment
- Transport to and from appointments and shopping
- Temporary in-home respite care
- Home and garden maintenance for safety
- Carer support and information for clients, their carers and families
- Help with accessing social, recreational and educational programs
Services are designed to be flexible and culturally sensitive and can change as your needs change.
What if my care needs increase?
Your Service Coordinator will regularly assess, coordinate, monitor and review your situation to ensure that the services you receive continue to be appropriate.
If your care needs increase beyond what can be provided with an EACH package, your Care Manager can discuss other care options with you, and will help you to find appropriate care.
Are there fees for these services?
Extended Aged Care at Home packages are funded by the Commonwealth Government.
You will be requested to pay a weekly fee as a contribution to the cost of your EACH package.
If you are on the maximum basic rate of pension, your fees will not exceed 17.5% of that pension.
If you have a higher income you may be asked to pay additional fees.
What rights do I have?
The Commonwealth Government sets out the rights and responsibilities of EACH providers and care recipients. St Louis provides all prospective care recipients with written information about these.
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