HACC services may be provided by your local Council or Community Health Service, or by other agencies.

I enjoy meeting with other grandparent carers as we all enjoy finding out what is going on and sharing ideas on how to keep the kids happy.
Maureen, aged 68 (grandson aged 10)

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

The Australian Government recognises the special contribution that grandparents make to families and the community and provide a range of benefits to assist eligible claimants. The information provided is a guide only, due to its complexity. Any matters relating to assistance in respect of children entering or leaving care should be dealt with by appointment with the Family Assistance Office. Family Assistance Offices are located within Medicare and Centrelink offices and Australian Taxation Shopfronts.

Home and Community Care (HACC)

WHAT IS THE HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE (HACC) PROGRAM?

The HACC Program funds services designed to help frail older people and people with a disability to live independently at home. This program is jointly funded by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. HACC services may be provided by well known service providers, such as your local Council or Community Health Service, or by small, less known agencies.

There are a number of different services which come under the HACC ‘umbrella’, including:

• Day care – this is based in a Day Centre and provides group recreation activities.
• Home help/home care/domestic assistance – this includes household tasks like cleaning, washing, ironing and shopping.
• Personal care– for example, help with bathing and dressing.
• Home maintenance and modification – Provides help with home repairs and maintenance, (for example, changing light globes, fixing door locks, removing rubbish, roof repairs) as well as modifying your home with features like safety ramps, and support rails in the bathroom.
• Transport – these services assist with shopping and keeping appointments, and may include travel for social activities and visiting friends.
• Food services – if you have difficulty preparing meals, these services deliver them to your home. They also provide meals at a community or day centre. Food services may include help with food shopping, food storage and preparation. Some services include traditional ethnic dishes.
• Community nursing – these services are provided in your home by a qualified nurse, and can be given to you on a regular or occasional basis.
• Allied health services – these include physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy and occupational therapy, and similar services which help people to be mobile and to lead an independent life at home. They can be provided at home or in a variety of services, for example, a day centre or a community health service.
• Advocacy services – these are agencies whose role is to advise you about your rights and responsibilities when receiving services, and at your request, to act on your behalf with service providers.
• Social support – this includes a range of services for people who need help with shopping, banking, paying bills or simply need company.
• Support services for carers. If you are caring for a frail older person or someone with a disability, you can get support through respite, carer support organisations, Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres, or the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre. These are described below.

Services for Carers

• Respite – this is a service designed to give carers a break from their caring role. It takes a number of forms, from care in the home, in a day centre, in the community, to care in residential aged care homes – whichever options best suits the carer and the person in their care. It can be provided as a planned service or on an emergency basis.

In addition, the Australian Government funds services for carers, including:

• Carer support organisations (for example, the Carers Association, the Alzheimer’s Association) provide various services for carers, including information, counselling, training or acting as advocates for carers.
• Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres provide information about services, make referrals and arrange short term respite for emergencies or unplanned situations. They can support carers of frail older people, or people with dementia, young people with a disability, chronically ill or terminally ill people. Emergency respite care is available 24 hours a day. Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres can be contacted on 1800 059 059 (Free call ™) or 5409 5900.
• Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres in each capital city provide information and advice about services and other forms of support and assistance. They can be contacted by calling 1800 242 636 (Free call ™).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HACC SERVICES?

HACC services are designed for people who need support to continue living in the community, and who are older and ‘frail’ (for example, someone who has difficulty with everyday showering), or for people who have a disability. HACC services are also available for those who are caring for a frail older person or a person with a disability. HACC services are designed to reach people with the greatest level of need. This is determined by HACC service providers who make an assessment of your needs.

HOW CAN I OBTAIN A HACC SERVICE?

If you know a HACC funded service providing the type of services you may need, you can contact them directly. You do not need a referral. Some ways of finding out what services are available in your local area are:

• Phone a Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 (Free call ™).
• Phone your local Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636 (Free call ™).

Each HACC service will have its own policy on fees, but most services require a small contribution, depending on your situation. Special consideration is given to people with limited finances.

The information above was provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.