Our Guide to Support at Home

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is an Australian Government-funded aged care program that helps older people continue living safely and independently in their own homes. It brings together practical assistance and care to support your health, wellbeing and connection with your community, while respecting your choices and the way you want to live.

Depending on your assessed needs and approved services, support may include help with cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, transport, personal care and social activities, as well as nursing and allied health services. Access is arranged through an aged care assessment, and the support available to you depends on your assessed needs and allocated funding. You may also need to contribute towards the cost of some services.

At FYI Aged Care Services, we take the time to understand what matters to you - your routines, preferences, culture and goals. We work with you and, if you choose, your family or support people to develop a personalised care plan that makes the most of your approved funding. As your needs change, we work with you to review your support, helping you maintain your independence and continue enjoying life in the comfort and familiarity of home.

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started

Getting started with Support at Home can feel unfamiliar, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re exploring aged care for the first time or already have approved funding, FYI Aged Care Services can help you understand your next steps.

  • Step 1:

    Get in Touch

    Call FYI Aged Care Services on 03 7048 4603 or complete the enquiry form below. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions and explain how we may be able to support you.

    If you already have Support at Home funding, let us know when you contact us so we can discuss your approved services and getting started.

  • Step 2:

    Apply for an Aged Care Assessment

    If you haven’t been assessed, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online at myagedcare.gov.au. My Aged Care will ask about your circumstances and arrange an assessment if you’re eligible.

    You can have a family member, friend or support person help you apply. Our team can also explain the process and help you understand where to begin.

  • Step 3:

    Discuss Your Needs with an Assessor

    An aged care assessor will arrange a time to speak with you, usually in your home. They’ll discuss how you’re managing everyday activities, your health, your existing support and what matters most to you.

    The assessment determines whether you’re eligible for government-funded aged care and the types of support you can receive. You’re welcome to have someone you trust with you during the assessment.

  • Step 4:

    Receive Your Outcome and Funding

    After your assessment, you’ll receive an outcome explaining the services you’ve been approved for. If you’re approved for Support at Home, you may need to wait for funding to become available. Approval and funding allocation are separate steps.

    While you wait, you can explore providers and check with Services Australia whether you need to provide income and assets information to determine your contributions. Once your funding allocation letter arrives, follow the timeframe it specifies. For ongoing Support at Home funding, you generally have 56 days to enter into a service agreement and start services, with a further 28 days available by requesting an extension through My Aged Care.

  • Step 5:

    Meet with Us and Plan Your Support

    If you choose FYI Aged Care Services, we’ll arrange a convenient home visit to discuss your approved services, needs, preferences and goals. With your permission, your family or support people can join us.

    Together, we’ll develop your personalised care plan and budget, discuss service prices and any contributions, and complete a home safety check. We’ll explain your service agreement, your rights and how to raise any concerns, giving you time to ask questions before you agree to proceed.

  • Step 6:

    Begin Your Services

    Once your funding is available and your service agreement, care plan and budget are in place, we’ll agree on a start date and organise your services. We’ll discuss who will be supporting you, when they’ll visit and how to contact us.

    As your needs or preferences change, we’ll work with you to review your care plan and support. If you need a new assessment, we can help you understand how to request one.

Already receiving Support at Home services with another provider? Contact us to discuss moving to FYI Aged Care Services. We can explain the transfer process and work with you and your current provider to coordinate the change.

Ready to take the next step? Call 03 7048 4603 or complete the enquiry form below.

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