Community Aged Care Packages
- What is it? |
- How do I access it |
- What can be included? |
- What if my care needs increase? |
- What does it cost? |
- What are my rights? |
- Contact us
What is a Community Aged Care Package (CACP)?
A CACP is a care option that assists frail aged or older people with a disability to remain in their home and participate in the community by providing additional support and care management. Individual packages of care are developed with clients and their family and / or representatives. The services provided are flexible to meet individual needs.
Providing support services in your own home and community
How do I access a Community Aged Care Package (CACP)?
Access to a CACP is through the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in your local area. The ACAS will assess eligibility for the service - priority is given to people who have a strong desire to remain at home and who are in need of support. Referral to ACAS can be arranged through your local GP, district nurse, hospital, social worker, health professional, or you can refer yourself. You are welcome to contact one of our Care Managers in your local region who can assist you through this process. If you are not eligible for a CACP the ACAS will advise you of other support options that are available.
What can be included in a Community Aged Care Package?
Care Management and regular discussion with your Care Manager and other people involved in providing care is included in a CACP, including, any of the following:
- Personal care assistance eg: showering, dressing;
- Home care eg: laundry, cleaning;
- Provision of meals or assistance with preparing meals;
- Assistance to organize transport for shopping or to appointments;
- Assistance to access social, recreational activities and day care programs;
- Access to after hours support;
- Temporary in home respite;
- Carer Support;
- Information for clients, their carers and families;
- Garden and home maintenance;
- Assistance to access Allied Health Services (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, dietician etc); and
- Referral to other services as needed.
Occupational Therapy classes offer clients a chance to express themselves through pottery
How does Care Management work?
You will have a person known as a Care Manager who will assist you and your family / carer / representative to plan the care and support required. The Care Manager will then arrange appropriate services to provide the level of care and support that is needed. This person will keep in regular contact with you to monitor and review your situation and to ensure the services are still meeting your needs. The Care manager is also the first point of contact for you, your family and/or your carer should there be any concerns regarding your care or if changes are needed to your care.
What if my care needs increase?
Your Care Manager will regularly assess, coordinate, monitor and review your situation to ensure that the services you receive continue to meet your needs.
If your care needs increase beyond what can be provided under a CACP, your Care Manager can discuss other options with you, and is available to help you to find a more appropriate service.What does it cost?
The program is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, together with a weekly fee from the client. Individual Community Aged Care Packages vary in the services they provide and in their cost - the cost to the client may vary according to the range and frequency of services and the clients capacity to pay.
What are my rights?
The Quality of Care Standards list minimum standards set down by the Commonwealth Government. All service providers must comply with these standards which include your freedom of choice, care needs and privacy etc. The Aged Care Act 1997 sets out a list of conditions each service provider must agree to when receiving government funding. You can contact RCR Advocacy Service or the Complaints / Information Officer Department of Health and Ageing if you are unhappy with the service or need an advocate to assist you.
Contact us
Community Aged Care Packages are offered in Metropolitan Melbourne and throughout Regional Victoria. To contact your nearest office, please telephone 1300 650 615 (24 hours).