THE new Consumer Directed Care (CDC) program starts today (1 July) and will give Noosa seniors receiving in-home care more freedom of choice including the ability to decide who they would like to provide care services in their homes.
Owner of Sunshine Coast aged care and disability services provider Just Better Care Tony Sandy said the change in legislation was an important part of improving the level of care the elderly currently receive in their homes and welcomed the independence and control the reform provided.
“There are three very important things that every person receiving care or who has a parent receiving care should know about CDC, firstly you now have the right to decide who will provide your service, secondly you have the right to change your service as much as you want and thirdly, you have a choice of a much broader range of services you can access including using your package to access technology aids,” Mr Sandy said.
“We estimate this reform will impact about 1500 people on the Sunshine Coast and it’s essential that people take some time to explore what this means for them.”
Mr Sandy said the reform meant if those receiving care are unhappy with the level of service they receive, they can change to another provider or ask their existing provider to use another provider’s staff on a day-to-day basis.
“In the past, this was never an option, which in our opinion took away the freedom of choice for those receiving care and impacted on their quality of life,” he said.
“We live in a society where people should have the right to use a provider that offers a ‘good fit’ for them – not just in providing the level of care they deserve but also working with a team they feel comfortable with.
“Control and choice are important reforms that were needed in the system and this certainly means positive changes for people receiving aged care services at home.”
The change in legislation on 1 July will see all Commonwealth-funded home care packages delivered using a CDC approach.
The service packages provided will be limited to a budget, based on the person’s assessed level of need and ensure people can stay living in their home for as long as possible if they wish to do so.
Just Better Care client Beryl Seon from Maroochydore said she was delighted with the reforms that had been introduced and felt they were long overdue.
“Receiving in-home care has been a wonderful way to maintain my independence and preserve my quality of life as I grow older and the move to Consumer Directed Care ensures I will always be able to choose a provider and services I feel enhance my lifestyle,” Mrs Seon said.
“Having carers come into your home can be daunting and a little confronting so it’s very important to feel comfortable with the team providing the service. I have been very fortunate with my care to-date but it’s good to know that I have a choice should I wish to change the care I receive – not everyone is as lucky as I am and I think the reforms will see many people changing their current situation.”
Mr Sandy said from next month people receiving a CDC service on the Sunshine Coast would receive a monthly statement showing what has been spent, which means providers are more accountable resulting in a more transparent system.
“Given our ageing population, more and more older Australians will stay in their homes longer, rather than moving to aged care residential facilities. With the proper support, this can be a great time of your life and should not be a time of concern,” Mr Sandy said.
“These changes provide peace of mind – not only for those receiving the care but also for their family members who want to ensure they are in the best possible hands.”
The reforms are expected to impact over 200,000 people throughout Australia. To find out more about the changes visit www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-services/home-care-packages
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