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Can I use Support Network to directly message support workers for an interview?

Yes, you can directly message carers on the Support Network platform to arrange an in-person interview at a time that suits you. Our messaging system is designed to make connecting with potential carers easy and convenient, so you can ask questions, discuss specific needs, and ensure they’re the right fit for you or your loved one. You can also check their profile before meeting in person to see if they have the right skills for your needs. All of the carers on our platform have Police Checks, and other relevant qualifications for providing in home aged care in Australia.

I already have a carer I like. Can I hire and pay them through Support Network?

Yes, absolutely! You can invite anyone to join your care team through our platform, whether that’s a carer who you already receive services from, an allied health professional, a home care nurse, neighbour or friend. You can also access their services through funding from aged care Home Care Packages, if you have been approved for one.

When you sign up to Support Network, we’ll ask who you would like to invite to join your team. When you provide their contact details, we’ll send them an email on your behalf, inviting them to join Support Network as an independent home carer. We’ll take them through how the Support Network system works, process their approval and set them up to receive payments, so that they can join your care team as soon as possible.

Is Support Network suitable for people with Home Care Packages?

If you have been approved for a Home Care Package, then you can use the funding from your package to pay for independent support workers on the Support Network platform.

Depending on the provider you choose, My Aged Care provides an option that enables you to manage your own Home Care Package plan, which means you can choose your own carers and have more control over your care team instead of having everything organised and provided to you by a care provider. The advantage of this option is that you have more control over your care, pay less in administration fees, and can hire your own independent carers to provide support for your needs at a time that suits you.

Can your team assist if I need help using the platform?

Our friendly and dedicated team is here to support you with any questions or concerns you may have. To speak to someone about your particular issues or to troubleshoot problems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What Home Care Package levels are there?

In home care packages are funded by the government at different levels of care, so that each participant’s needs receives the right amount of funding for their needs. Here are the levels of home care package funding you might qualify for:

Home Care Package Level 1 – designed for people with basic care needs, this level provides a small amount of funding for a minimal level of support services, such as domestic assistance, some personal care, help with everyday tasks, and social support. 

Home Care Package Level 2 – this level offers moderate level of support for people who have low to medium care needs, including housekeeping services, meal preparation, clinical care, personal care and personal hygiene, transport, and some allied health services such as physiotherapy or podiatry services.

Home Care Package Level 3 – this level provides an intermediate care for people with higher care needs at home. A level 3 Home Care Package includes more extensive personal care, nursing care, physiotherapy services, and support for dementia or other chronic conditions.

Home Care Package Level 4 – this is the highest level of government-funded support available for people with high needs and want to keep living at home. A level 4 Home Care Package includes services such as 24/7 care, complex care, advanced nursing care, palliative care, and specialised support for chronic medical conditions.

What is the cost of Home Care Packages?

Home Care Packages are a range of services funded by the government, but you are asked to contribute a certain amount towards your care services, depending on the level of care you are approved for, and your financial situation. This is called a basic daily fee and, depending on your income, a care fee based on an income assessment. Each provider may have slightly different fees and government contribution, so it’s best to check with a few providers to compare costs and services.

What is an independent carer?

An independent home carer is someone who provides care services directly to clients without working for an aged care provider. Independent carers tend to have more flexibility in terms of services offered, rates, and how supports are delivered. They can help you with a wide range of tasks based on your needs, such as personal care (e.g. help with showering and toileting), household tasks (doing the laundry or cleaning your home), social activities and helping you stay connected to the community, transport to appointments, meal management and help with the grocery shopping, pet care, assistance with therapies, and companionship.

What is a self-managed Home Care Package?

A self-managed Home Care Package is an option that gives you greater control over your care plan and how your government funding is spent. Rather than having an aged care provider fully manage your services, you take on the responsibility of coordinating your own care, choosing which services to use, hiring your own carers, and handling the finances within your package budget. This approach offers more flexibility and allows you to tailor your care plan to suit your specific needs and preferences.

With self-management, you still receive government funding through the Home Care Package, but you decide how it’s spent, often resulting in cost savings. Many providers offer support for self-managed packages, so you can get help with the financial or administrative aspects if needed while still enjoying the freedom to choose your care. You can also use a platform like Support Network to find carers in your local area, hire them for your needs, and manage their payments and the admin tasks of managing your Home Care Package.

Do I need a service provider if I self manage my Home Care Package?

If you have a Home Care Package, no matter the level of your care, you need to have a preferred provider who oversees the package, even if you choose to self manage your care.

While you choose and control your aged care services and care team, a provider can offer valuable support with tasks like meeting compliance and financial management of your package funds. They can help you navigate regulations and manage funds, allowing you flexibility while reducing some of the administrative burden throughout your aged care journey. This combination lets you stay in control of care decisions and choose your own care workers, while benefiting from support to manage your plan.