THIS column is just a gentle reminder to those of you who think you may not be eligible for many Federal Government subsidies.
When you think you have attained a seniors age (we are reminded that this is basically from 65 years on), there are some steps you can take to find out your eligibility.
Firstly, ring My Aged Care to obtain an access number. This allows you to go further in your quest for subsidies/help and “packages” from the Government.
Now, many believe that they can live with their ability to manage the workload situation at the moment, even if there is a difficulty or pain.
However, it takes time to get an approval to obtain a suitable package level. This means it’s necessary to act sooner rather than later.
If you class yourself as a senior, think about how much your condition could impact on your later life. If it does get worse, are you prepared to wait up to 12 months to finally obtain a subsidy (package) from the Government.
These packages, start at level 1 and go to level 4 at about $60,000. Currently, on a level 2 package, the Federal Government will contribute a yearly amount of approximately $18,622.30 towards the cost of your care.
Now, before you jump up and down and think this is free money, keep in mind that this is not your money to go around spending until it runs out.
There are a few things that have to be done first, before you see any value in what you can spend.
To start, the Government wants you to sign a contract with a “provider”, (there are a number available such as Blue Care or Anglicare), within a certain amount of time. A case worker is then assigned to you, to assist in obtaining the help, medical aids, home assistance etc, that you might need to comfortably stay at home.
The fee for the “package” administered by the provider, comes out of this allocation (level 2, approx 35 per cent).
You must be wise with your money as this is generally spent on a monthly basis.
There is so much more to learn about these subsidies, this column has only just hinted at some of them.
The internet has a huge list of subsidies available to all those who may need that extra boost of money to get them through the week.
AT A GLANCE
Aged care is the support provided to older people who need help in their own home or who can no longer live at home.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for government-funded aged care services if you are 65 years of age or older (50 years or older if you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) and need help to do the things you used to.
Some people may be eligible at a younger age.
In-home aged care
In-home aged care provides support to help you stay independent for as long as possible.
For more information on support available, visit myagedcare.gov.au.
