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Self-Managed Home Care Package in Victoria, Two Sides of a Coin - The Good and The Bad

Introduction

Self-managing home care packages is one of the best ways to have total control over your care package. It is a way to ensure all things run according to your plan and ensure efficiency. However, it is not without its responsibilities. In this article, we at SupportNetwork take participants on a journey.

We have broken down everything participants need to know about self-managed home care packages in Victoria, and also extensively talked about their pros and cons.

What is a Self-Managed Home Care Package?

Home Care Package (HCP) is a program funded by the government to support the elderly or people living with a disability who wish to continue living in their homes. It is designed to help them live independently in their comfort space and still have access to quality care services. 

The level of funding depends on the severity of the disability and the level of care the individual needs to live without depending on anybody. Support ranges from basic daily assistance to complex health disability issues. 

Usually, a care provider is in charge of organizing care support for the Home Care Package. However, in a self-managed home care package, the participant oversees the care service themself. Self-managed home care package in Victoria means taking on the role of coordinating your care services.

Features of A Self-Managed Model

Opting for a self-management Home Care Package is a big step. It is also empowering because of the key responsibilities attached to it. Self-management gives participants the chance to make key decisions about their care and support. 

In this section, we break down four of the most important responsibilities that make up self-managed home care package practices. 

Selecting Your Support Workers

Instead of being assigned a support worker by your care provider, self-management means you can choose who supports you. This is one of the greatest advantages of self-managing. As against having your care service provider assign a carer for you, you get to pick someone of your choice. 

When self-managing your care, you can;

• Hire familiar people you trust. Say someone from your community or your former carer.

• Look for support workers through online job boards that post support workers looking for care jobs.

• Create a customized profile that fits a carer of your choice. It could be based on gender, cultural background, language, or experience as a support worker.

The ability to self-manage your care service is a freedom many participants want. Especially people who come from diverse backgrounds and communities. They always want someone who shares their beliefs and values to care for them. It is also beneficial for people with a specific lifestyle.

Being in charge of selecting your support worker means;

• You are responsible for conducting interviews

When you have a list of support workers to pick from, you might want to interview to see who makes the best fit. You do not just want to pick a random person. So, you have to set up an interview and assess them yourself.

• Searching for candidates

Support workers don’t grow on trees. So, you will have to search extensively for someone who is capable of giving you the best possible care. Your health is at stake, so you do not want to get this wrong. 

• Run background checks on them

This is an important aspect of hiring a support worker. You need to confirm they have an Australian Business Number (ABN). Also, you have to find out if they have insurance to work in Australia. Otherwise, you could be hiring an illegal worker who has not been cleared to work in the country and risk losing your home care package.

Organizing Your Schedules

Running your schedule is another feature of the self-management home care package in Victoria. In a managed care service, your care coordinator or provider handles appointments, rostering, and shifts. However, the case is not so when you self-manage. 

Self-management means everything is in your hands. You are in charge of the timetable. You fix the appointments, set the meeting times, coordinate allied health appointments, and organize regular domestic assistance and outings. 

Cancelling or rescheduling appointments also lies with you. There cannot be slips or errors. A lot depends on how proactive you are. You need to be a good communicator to ensure the smooth facilitation of self-management.

For instance, you will need to;

• Keep track of the days your carer will be available

• Ensure you do not double-book a carer, as that would increase the cost

• Ensure you have enough workers for your different support coverage.  E.g., a carer who handles your transport service for an outing is different from one who helps with your medication. So you have to ensure their presence does not overlap. And that they are available when you need them.

Basically, it means instead of setting your time around the availability of your provider, you are curating your care service to fit around your life. 

Self-management is perfect if you are organized and do not have critical health issues. If your health fluctuates or you have a complex care need like Parkinson’s disease, then you need to require support from a service care provider, family member, or friend.

Managing Invoices

Of course, a home care package revolves around the funding. And receiving it at the right time to avoid pausing care service or missing care appointments. This lies solely on how good your invoicing game is.

Submitting invoices for payment is a practical task in self-management. While your Home Care Package is held by an approved service provider, you are still in charge of directing how the fund is used. Each time you or your carer provides a service, you will need an invoice.

The invoice will need to be checked to ensure it is valid and correct; otherwise, it will not be treated. You also need to ensure it is submitted to the provider through an online portal or application, or any of their preferred method. Lastly, you need to ensure the invoice is logged into your records.

Usually, your service provider will have an arrangement for you to;

• Upload or mail them the scanned invoice

• Categorize expenses in a clear format. For instance, costs incurred on personal care should not be mixed with cleaning or allied health.

• View balances and expenditure records.

This ensures transparency as you know where your funding is going, how much you have used, and how much you have left. Services like SupportNetwork offer user-friendly interfaces to ensure smooth operations while handling invoices. Some also have mobile applications to make it seamless for older adults or their carers to manage invoicing on the go. 

This also requires basic knowledge of digital tools. Or having someone who is tech-savvy around.

Managing and tracking invoices also means that you are responsible for following up with unpaid or late submissions. Ensuring your funds are used for necessary services and making sure your support worker provides a valid tax invoice. 

Tracking Finances

This is like the practical aspect of managing invoices. Self-managing means you take total control of the budget. From keeping accurate financial records from the time funding is received to how each penny is spent. 

The NDIS requires that all expenses be spent such that they align with your approved care plan. You cannot divert funding meant for a mobility impairment to treating a neurological condition. The funding received must be used for a purpose that falls within the category under your Home Care Package Level.

This implies that;

• You have to be meticulous with your spending. Monitor each penny.

• Keep all copies of your receipts, invoices, and payment approvals.

• Always be prepared for periodic audits by your service provider.

While many providers may supply you with a monthly budget statement, it is important that, as a self-manager, you keep records of your funding in a spreadsheet or spending log. It should cover:

• How much was spent?

• What services are you spending on?

• How liquid are you?

• Are you at risk of overspending?

• Are you underutilizing your home care package?

Advantages of Self-Managed Home Care Package in Victoria

There are lots of benefits to self-managing your home care package. You call the shots and have total control over your care plan. Here are some of the key advantages of choosing a self-managed home care package.

Lower Administrative Fee - More Care Hours

Low administrative cost is a distinct feature of self-managing your home care package. This is because you are doing everything yourself. You are the one running all the points and ensuring you enjoy quality care service. 

That way, you can direct the extra cost can be spent directly on care, rather in the high cost of administration. This enhances independence and increases quality of life. 

Greater Choice and Control

The freedom to choose who provides your care, when they visit, how the care is administered, and how your budget is spent means big to NDIS participants. And it is one of the main reasons people self-manage their care plan. 

Rather than waiting on a service provider to provide to dictate things for you, you can build one yourself and operate it. You can build a care plan that fits your schedule. 

Self-management also gives you the chance to employ someone you trust and feel comfortable around. You can customize your care plan and benefit maximally from your care plan.

Move Value from Your Budget

Self-management ensures a reduction in the administrative fees than what is charged in a fully managed care plan. For instance, in a traditional care package, some providers can charge as much as 30%- 35% of your total funding package. Whereas, in a self-managed home care package, that administrative fee is reduced to around 10%-15%. 

Invariably, it means more money goes directly into your care service like cleaning, transport, etc, rather than overhead costs.

This is beneficial for participants with low care needs on a lower-level package. Overall, reports show up to a 30%-40% increase in the care hours per week in a self-managed home care package.

Reports from various studies showed that participants who chose self-management had better satisfaction and enjoyed lower administrative and provider fees. 

Adaptability and Flexibility 

Care needs are not permanent. Life changes, so do your care needs. The care service you require today might not be needed months from now. In a fully managed home care package, switching care plans when the needs arise takes time. However, it is not so in a self-managed package.

You do not need to wait for a provider’s approval. There is no limit to a particular list of staff or workers. Simply search for new carers, request new services, and build a new care plan. Self-management allows you to customize your schedule easily. There is swift flexibility when care change is required. 

Increased Transparency and Awareness

When it comes to self-management, the understanding of your care plan needs to be top-notch. You are in the driver’s seat and accountable for every penny that is spent from your funding. 

You will know how your funds are used, how much each services cost, and whether you are overspending or underspending. Nothing will be hidden from you. This level and awareness can help you make better financial decisions. It also infuses a stronger sense of independence. 

Participant-Carer Relationship

Another benefit of self-management is that it allows you to build a strong personal relationship with your carer. Since you handle the hiring process, there is a chance of building a strong rapport.

Self-management also eliminates rotating carers or using unfamiliar agency workers. It makes it to build trust and consistency. 

Disadvantages of Self-Managed Home Care Package in Victoria

Self-managed home care package in Victoria guarantees control over your care plan. However, it comes with greater responsibility that may not be convenient for all participants. Knowing your limit is essential to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Below are some of the challenges that come with self-managed home care package in Victoria. 

Increased Administrative responsibility

Self-managing means just ONE thing: that you are the one in charge. You call the final shots, and everyone answers to you. At first, it doesn’t seem too much of a task until the responsibilities set in. It also requires being tech-savvy.

You have to take on administrative tasks like invoicing, budget reconciliation, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. 

If you have organizational ability and good management skills, you might not find it tasking. However, it can be backbreaking for people who are not confident with paperwork or digital tools. Elderly people and older participants with no family support or carer can also find this task overwhelming.  

On average, you may spend 8 - 10 hours daily on administrative duties. 

Finding and vetting support workers

This is one of the most tiring disadvantages of self-managing your home care package. This is because you have to source for your team. From the hiring process to conducting interviews and lastly, running background checks, you have to oversee everything. 

The process can be time-consuming. There is also no guarantee that you will hire the right carer or that the carer will be available long-term. There are lots of risks attached to this because it is not something the participant is built for. 

If a carer cancels last minute, you will be burdened with finding a replacement. If a support worker does not meet expectations, you will be tasked with seeking a replacement. And these are not easy fixes. People management can be tiresome.

Navigating Regulations, Compliance, and Risk Management 

Self-management does not exclude you from complying with standards. It is important to ensure all of your activities in a self-managed home care package in Victoria comply with standards set by the Australian Care regulatory bodies.  

Your operations should remain compliant with the Aged Care Quality Standards. Some of them include;

• Keeping detailed records of services provided

• Ensuring your care workers have the necessary qualifications that match the care service they want to assist with

• Tracking invoices and keeping records

• Ensuring your services align with your approved care plan

Necessary compliance and risk management measures must be put in place as well. For instance, you have to ensure that your carers or support workers;

• Hold valid identificationss. E.g., ABN, insurance, etc

• Offer services that align with government regulations

Not upholding the standards can result in seizure or delay in reimbursement of funding. It could also trigger serious compliance issues. Service providers can only offer advice, but the burden of execution and control still lies with you.

Limited Backup or Crisis Support

Self-managed home care packages in Victoria often come with restricted access to all-day support services. There is no access to 24/7 care services except you build one for yourself. Simply put, if anything goes wrong or there is an emergency, you will need to resolve it independently. 

If your carer does not show up or there is a scheduling conflict, you will have to resolve it yourself. This may not be convenient for people with complex health issues.

Time and energy demands

Most participants often underestimate the amount of effort that goes into maintaining schedules, adjusting plans in times of need, or even chasing payments. 

One of the most commonly underestimated challenges of self-managing a Home Care Package is the significant energy and time it requires. While self-management is a sure way to cut down costs and save money, it costs time. A great deal of time. And it consumes energy.

Self-managing comes with handling risks that would normally be handled by a service provider. Each of the tasks might seem manageable on its own, but with consistent attention, they might become a burden.

Participants with memory loss or other severe health issues and disability might even find it worse. Rather than improving the quality of life, self-management can sometimes reduce it. As care needs increase and become complex, administrative duties increase as well. 

Technology and Skills Required

At the very least, you will need basic tech-savviness, good time management, organizational habits, finance skills, and leadership skills. While service providers will still have the funds with them, you have to shoulder the daily tasks. 

A little slip from you could result in a serious fatality.

Before deciding to opt for a self-managed home care package, it is important to assess your capacity to handle a lot of things in addition to your health status. Some people might thrive in that role, while others might collapse.

Final Thoughts

At SupportNetwork, we are particular about how well you self-manage your home care package. Hence, we are always ready to help you through the process. However, it is important to know that even while you self-manage, you are still required to work with a registered NDIS service provider. They are the ones with the legal responsibility of holding and administering your funds. 

Self-management is like accountability. It allows for greater flexibility, care personalization, and financial transparency. On the other hand, it can be demanding and require involvement in management and administrative functions. 

At SupportNetwork, we help participants explore more flexible care options. For instance, some people want to have partial control over their care plan. They do not want to take full control. Whether you are looking for a partially managed home care package or support coordination service, we can help you.  

If you are confused about which care package to choose, you can reach out for consultancy. Support Network is here to guide you. Whether you choose self-management or a fully managed care package, we are your trusted partner. 

Our goal is to empower you with clear and unbiased information.