Don’t Wait for a Crisis: The Critical Advice for Starting Your Aged Care Journey Early
For many family carers , the decision to access aged care support only comes after a health crisis or a period of severe carer burnout. Trying to navigate the aged care system when you or a loved one are desperate for support can feel overwhelming and emotionally draining.
In our latest podcast, client Margaret offered a crucial piece of advice to all prospective participants: start the process early, before you are desperate for help.
The Power of Proactive Registration
Margaret's journey began after a long hospital stay, leading her to realise she needed ongoing help at home. Her advice stems from the knowledge that the process can take time.
“At least register yourself. Then you are there. Because from there on in, the process can take place when you really need it because you’ve already registered that.”
Margaret explains that you don’t need to be frail or in an immediate crisis to take the first step. The key is to register your name with the system. This means that when a person’s needs do suddenly increase—perhaps due to a fall or a sudden illness—they are already in the queue and the lengthy assessment process can be expedited.
Your Simple First Step: Calling My Aged Care
The starting point for all government-funded support in Australia is the same: the My Aged Care contact centre.
Pick up the Phone: Call My Aged Care to start the initial screening.
Register: You will be registered in the national system.
Assessment: The next step is a formal assessment, which determines your level of need.
By taking this step early, you are simply laying the foundation. As Margaret wisely points out, waiting times for Home Care Packages can be long , and early registration ensures that you or your loved one won't have to face a health challenge while simultaneously battling the system's complexities.
Finding the Right Fit (and Having the Courage to Change)
Starting early also gives you time to choose the best provider. Margaret recommends seeking a provider that is:
Transparent
Friendly and offers a "family feel"
Known for its reputation and community roots
Finally, Margaret spoke honestly about the difficulty of speaking up when care is not a good fit. She initially hesitated to complain about a caregiver from a previous provider. However, she now feels empowered, emphasising that clients should never have to put up with substandard care. Choosing a provider that offers clear feedback channels (like a CAB) and actively supports their clients to speak up is essential for quality care.
Learn more about the program or access resources to support your caregiving journey through the following links:
My Aged Care - www.myagedcare.gov.au
Carer Gateway - www.carergateway.gov.au/help-and-support/getting-support-carergatewy
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission - www.agedcarequality.gov.au