{"entry":{"__typename":"articles_news_Entry","uid":"a1743050-fdff-4158-a59b-71b88c0ae070","uri":"about-us/news-and-events/easter-newsletter","slug":"easter-newsletter","postDate":"2022-04-13T12:23:00+08:00","title":"Easter Newsletter - Happy Easter!","description":"Easter Newsletter","heroImage":[{"__typename":"assets_Asset","uid":"231c0f4f-28f5-4e36-a6b3-40a99371907c","title":"Easter friday CLUB AH","width":1500,"height":1118,"webp":"https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/amana-living/assets/hero-images/_AUTOxAUTO_crop_center-center_none/135618/easter-friday-CLUB-AH.webp","jpg":"https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/amana-living/assets/hero-images/_AUTOxAUTO_crop_center-center_none/easter-friday-CLUB-AH.jpg","url":"https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/amana-living/assets/hero-images/easter-friday-CLUB-AH.jpg"}],"body":"

Amana Living wishes our residents, clients, families and staff a Happy Easter.

Read the latest news at Amana Living, and a message from our CEO and Senior Chaplain in our Easter Newsletter.

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Updated 10 July 2024

Navigating aged care can often feel overwhelming, but understanding the options available to you can make a significant difference in your quality of life or that of your loved ones.

Home Care Packages (HCPs) are designed to support older people wishing to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

In this article, we break down the different levels of Home Care Package funding, from Level 1 to Level 4, to help you understand what each level offers and how they can meet varying care needs.

What is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is a government-funded program that assists older Australians to live independently with in-home care by providing a coordinated package of care and services tailored to your specific needs. The program is flexible, allowing you to choose the care and services that best meet your personal goals and requirements, with the support of a home care provider to manage the care plan effectively.

Click the following link to learn more about Amana Living's home care packages.

There are four Home Care Package levels, each designed to cater to different care needs, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate support they require.

What Services Can I Get?

Home Care Packages fund a wide range of services designed to support you in your daily life. The goal is to empower you to remain well, independent, safe at home, and connected to your community.

These services can include personal care, nursing, household chores such as cleaning and gardening, medication management, and even modifications to the home to improve safety and accessibility. It's about building a comprehensive support system to address your needs and preferences.

For more information on using your home care package finding, see What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

What are the Different Home Care Package Levels?

The four levels of Home Care Packages are structured to provide varying degrees of care, starting from basic care needs at Level 1 to high-level care needs at Level 4.

This tiered approach ensures that you or your loved one can access the level of support that aligns with your specific care requirements, enabling you to maintain your independence and quality of life at home.

Home Care Package Level 1

Level 1 packages are designed for people who require basic assistance with everyday tasks to remain independent at home. This might include help with household tasks such as cleaning or gardening.

For more information, see Level 1 Home Care Packages.

Home Care Package Level 2

Level 2 packages cater to those who need a low to moderate level of support. This means more regular assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as housework and meal preparation. It can also offer more personal care and social support.

For more information, see Level 2 Home Care Packages.

Home Care Package Level 3

For those with intermediate care needs, a Level 3 package may be appropriate. You'll get a higher level of assistance, including personal care, domestic assistance, social support and possibly nursing support.

For more information, see Level 3 Home Care Packages.

Home Care Package Level 4

Level 4 packages are intended for older people with complex, high-level care needs. This includes comprehensive assistance with daily tasks, personal care, nursing care, and medical support, with carers potentially visiting daily.

At all package levels, Amana Living will work with you to tailor the services to meet your needs.

For more information, see Level 4 Home Care Packages.

How Much Do Home Care Packages Cost?

The cost of a Home Care Package is shared between the Australian Government, which provides a subsidy, and the recipient, who may be asked to pay a basic daily fee. The Government subsidy varies by package level, ensuring that the support provided aligns with your care needs.

Let's break it down.

Government Support for Your Care

As of 1 July 2024, here's what the Government provides for each package level:

Level 1: The Government adds $29.01 daily to your package, totalling $406.14 per fortnight, to support basic care needs.
Level 2: For those needing a bit more support, the daily contribution is $51.02, which adds up to $714.28 every fortnight.
Level 3: If your needs are more complex, the Government's daily subsidy of $111.04 brings the fortnightly support to $1,554.56.
Level 4: For the most comprehensive care, the daily government subsidy of $168.33 ensures a fortnightly contribution of $2,356.62 to your care.

These contributions are reviewed yearly, ensuring they keep pace with the cost of providing quality care.

Your Contribution: The Basic Daily Fee

Alongside the Government's subsidy, you might contribute a basic daily fee, calculated as a percentage of the single basic age pension. This fee varies between package levels and is designed to be manageable. However, not all providers will ask for this fee, giving you some flexibility in managing your care costs.

To learn about our home care package fees, please review our Home Care Package Pricing Schedule.

What Happens to the Home Care Package Funds?

The funds from the Government don't go directly into your bank account. Instead, they are safely managed by Services Australia and allocated by your chosen Home Care Package provider. This means you can focus on your care needs, working with your provider to use these funds to best support your independence and well-being.

Rest assured, these funds are not considered income, so they won't affect your pension. This setup ensures that you can access the care you need, when you need it, without worrying about your financial security.

How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

To apply for a Home Care Package, you must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). A GP can make a referral, or you or a family member can self-refer by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and asking for an ACAT assessment.

The ACAT assessment is conducted in the comfort of your own home by a qualified professional, such as a nurse, social worker, or other healthcare expert. Typically spanning one to three hours, this session entails an ACAT member reviewing your health and devising a support plan outlining the care and services most beneficial for you.

We're here to help make this process as easy as possible.

Amana Living provides aged care services across Perth and regional Western Australia, offering support and guidance to individuals and families navigating the options available to them.

If you or a loved one is considering a Home Care Package, contact Amana Living to discuss how we can tailor a care plan to meet your unique needs and preferences, ensuring you receive the support you deserve.

For more information on the support available, learn about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

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What is a Home Care Package?

At Amana Living, we believe the purpose of home care is to give you the confidence to stay at home and to help you do the things you love.

Whether that’s helping you get out to see your friends, supporting you with everyday tasks like showering and dressing, or modifying your house, Amana Living is here for you.

In this article, we explain how Home Care Packages can be used to support the unique needs of you or a loved one working in partnership with a home care provider.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages are packages of care and services subsidised by the Australian Government to help you remain living well at home. These packages are consumer-directed, which means you have control over the types of care and services you receive.

For more information, see our home care packages.

Eligibility for Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages support people who are aged over 65 or over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Factors like health, mobility and personal circumstances are key in determining eligibility.

The online eligibility checker provided by My Aged Care can help you quickly determine whether you meet the Government’s requirements. It will ask about your basic daily activities, support networks and any recent health events that might impact your daily life. Emotions and mental well-being are also part of the equation.

However, to access a Home Care Package, you need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). An Aged Care Assessment Team consists of medical, nursing and allied health professionals who will assess your needs and help you access the appropriate level of support.

You can apply for an ACAT assessment online via the My Aged Care website www.myagedcare.gov.au or call them on 1800 200 422.

If you need help, call our friendly home care team on 1300 26 26 26 who can discuss your needs and explain the assessment process.

Breaking Down the Levels of Home Care Packages

There are four Home Care Package levels:

Level 1: Basic care needs (see our Level 1 Home Care Package page)
Level 2: Low-level care needs (see our Level 2 Home Care Package page)
Level 3: Intermediate care needs (see our Level 3 Home Care Package page)
Level 4: High-level care needs (see our Level 4 Home Care package page)

For more information, see Home Care Packages Level 1-4 Explained.

Home Care Package Fees

If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, it’s important to understand what fees you may have to pay and how much the Government will contribute.

The total amount of a Home Care Package is made up of:

The Australian Government’s contribution:
- the subsidy and supplements, if eligible
Your contribution (the fees you may be asked to pay):
- your basic daily fee - everyone receiving a Home Care Package can be asked to pay a daily fee which is then added to your total Home Care Package budget.
- your income-tested care fee – you may have to pay an income-tested care fee depending on whether you have been assessed as being able to contribute.
- any additional fees you agree to.

The basic daily fee and income-tested fee are set by the Government and change each year. You can see the current fees here. The additional service fees are set by the home care provider.

Each level comes with associated costs for each service. These fees are detailed in Amana Living's Home Care Package Pricing Schedule.

Services Covered by Home Care Package Funding

Nursing Care and Allied Health

Home Care Packages cater to a range of clinical services by qualified health professionals including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and more. Beyond routine nursing care, the funds can be allocated for equipment plus more specialised medical attention, including wound care, medication management and physiotherapy.

These services also may be important to you if you’re managing chronic conditions, recuperating from surgery or need palliative care. It ensures you can receive professional medical care in the comfort of your home

Personal Care

Home Care Packages can fund personal care services to support you with daily activities such as supervising or helping with bathing, showering, personal hygiene and dressing.

Domestic Assistance

Sometimes it can be challenging to stay on top of your household chores. A home care provider can help keep your home clean, safe and comfortable.

Amana Living’s domestic assistance services include:

mopping, sweeping and vacuuming floors
light dusting and wiping down surfaces
washing, folding, and ironing laundry
making your bed.

Home Maintenance

A secure and well-maintained home environment is vital for your safety and independence. Home Care Package funds can be used for home modifications such as grab rails, ramps or stairlifts to enhance mobility and prevent falls.

Services may also include minor repairs and garden maintenance to reduce the physical demands of keeping a home and fostering a safe and pleasant living space.

Social Support Services

Home Care Package funds can be used to help you see family and friends and stay connected with your community. Known as social support services, they help to combat isolation by facilitating rich social networks and continued participation in cherished community events.

Social Support Services can also be used to help you get out and about, providing transport and assistance with shopping and attending appointments.

Respite Care

Additionally, Home Care Packages may cover respite care which can involve a carer providing during the day for a few hours or overnight care in your home or a temporary stay at a respite care centre. Day clubs also provide respite, offering older people living with dementia an opportunity to socialise.

Respite care is important because it gives the caregiver a chance to relax and recharge, knowing their loved ones are being supported by professionals.

Click the following link to learn more about Amana Living's respite care services.

What's Not Covered by a Home Care Package

Home Care Packages cover a wide range of services but your package cannot be used for:

everyday items typically out of general income
general food costs
permanent accommodation payments or rental assistance
home care fees or other government-funded care types
unrelated home modifications
travel and accommodation for holidays
entertainment activities like club memberships or event tickets
services/items covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Choosing the Right Home Care Provider

There are many Home Care Package providers in WA. When it's time to choose one, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here are specific tips and considerations to help streamline the process.

Assess Your (or Your Loved One's) Needs. Before you start looking for a provider, clearly understand your needs. What level of care is required? Are there specific health concerns that need specialised attention? Make a list of essential services.
Research Providers. Look for providers in your area. Amana Living, for instance, serves the Perth metropolitan area, Peel and Kalgoorlie regions with a range of services.
Compare Services. Not all providers offer the same services. Some may provide basic support like housekeeping and meal preparation, while others offer nursing or dementia care. Ensure the provider you're considering can meet the specific needs you've identified.
Examine Costs and Fees. Each home care provider charges differently for care and services such as personal care, cleaning and nursing. It’s important to ask providers for their fee schedule so you can compare costs, as well as understand the fees they might charge for tasks such as administration which is commonly known as a package management fee. Please see the following link for Amana Living’s Home Care Package fees.
Consider the Provider's Reputation. Research their track record. Read reviews, ask for references, and possibly reach out to current or past clients. Also, consider whether the values of the provider match your own.
Check Accreditation. Ensure the provider is accredited and complies with the Aged Care Quality Standards. Accreditation is a sign of a provider's commitment to quality care and continuous improvement.
Personalise Your Care. The best care is tailored to the individual. Does the provider offer personalised care plans?
Communication and Support. Good communication is crucial. How will the provider keep you informed about the care and services being delivered? What support systems do they have in place for both clients and caregivers?
Provider Flexibility. Life is unpredictable. Evaluate the provider's flexibility in adjusting services or schedules. How easy is it to increase, decrease, or change services as necessary?

Empowered Living Starts Here

Understanding how to use your funding is crucial for maximising the support available to you. This knowledge empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions, ensuring their care needs are met effectively.

For further details and to explore your options, visit Amana Living's Home Care services page, speak to our friendly team by calling 1300 26 26 26 or email us today.

FAQs about Home Care Packages

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package in Australia?

A Home Care Package in Australia is generally for people aged 65 and older or 50 and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who need support to live independently at home. Eligibility is determined through an assessment process undertaken by ACAT.

What are the four levels of Home Care Packages?

The four levels of Home Care Packages cater to varying care needs, with Level 1 for basic care, Level 2 for low-level care, Level 3 for intermediate care and Level 4 for high-level care needs. The Government provides a different amount for each level to help cover the cost of services required.

What can Home Care Package funds be used for?

Home Care Package funds can be used for a range of services including clinical and nursing care, personal care, home maintenance, and social support services to assist seniors in living independently and safely in their own homes. Funds are not used for general living expenses, such as rent or groceries not related to direct care needs.

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Update 22 January - 1.31pm

The power supply for Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village has been switched to the City of Kalgoorlie’s generators managed by Western Power.
Western Power has advised there will be some outages to allow for planned maintenance on the generators, as well as to address any faults.
We will work closely with Western Power to effectively manage the power supply to Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village to minimise any impact on both locations.
According to Western Power, it may take between eight to 10 days to fully restore the mains power so we will continue to manage the situation over that time.
Kalgoorlie staff are being supported by our central emergency team, plus an Amana Living Maintenance Supervisor has travelled to Kalgoorlie today. Amana Living’s General Manager of Residential Care, Michael Donnelly, is also heading to Kalgoorlie tonight to provide additional support.
We will closely monitor the situation until full power is restored to the care centre and village.
All residents remain well and are being cared for by our dedicated team.

Please visit the Western Power website for information on the power outage at Kalgoorlie and surrounding areas.

Update 19 January - 11.46am

Please find an update for Amana Living residents, clients and families following the ongoing power outage impacting the Goldfields region.

Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village

· Power was restored to Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village on Thursday evening (18 January).

· All residents are safe and their care remains our top priority.

· In light of the situation, we have taken proactive measures to ensure we have sufficient supplies. Food and snacks have already been delivered and more is on its way so everyone has access to nutritious meals.

· We will continue to operate power via a generator until the mains power has been restored by Western Power.

Home Care

· Our dedicated team is conducting welfare checks on vulnerable clients to assess individual needs and provide necessary support.

· We are contacting Easy Meals customers to check if anyone needs meals before the regular delivery on Tuesday.

· If you have been impacted, please reach out to your Client Service Manager, Tricia Laatz, for assistance by calling 1300 26 26 26. Tricia is available to address concerns, provide guidance, and ensure you have the support you need.

Day Club

· The Amana Living Day Club in Kalgoorlie is open today and welcoming clients.

We will continue to provide updates via this page. Please visit the Western Power website for information on when power will be restored to Kalgoorlie and surrounds.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Update 18 January - 6.38pm

We’re pleased to confirm that power has now been restored at Amana Living’s Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village in Kalgoorlie. We are grateful to BHP for providing us with a generator which enabled us to return power to both locations.

Thanks to our dedicated and hardworking staff, all residents at Edward Collick Home are safe and comfortable. The wellbeing of Muschamp Village residents and Amana Living home care clients are also being monitored by our staff.

The Goldfields continue to be affected by the power outage. Please visit the Western Power website for updates on when power will return for the wider community.

Update 18 January - 1.45pm

All residents and businesses in Kalgoorlie are experiencing a widespread power outage following significant damage to local infrastructure caused by a storm.

The power and phone services at Amana Living’s Edward Collick Home and Muschamp Village have been impacted by the outage. Our staff are supporting all residents and everyone is well.

We understand Western Power is working hard to restore services; however, they are unable to provide a time for when this will occur. In the meantime, we are working with local partners to source alternative power.

We will continue to provide updates via this page.

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Sharon Maitland, Service Manager of Wearne House in Mandurah, won the Consumer Appreciation Award, a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional caregiving. She joined Amana Living as a graduate nurse in 2002 and has been the Service Manager at Wearne since 2007.

\n\n

Sharon was nominated for the Consumer Appreciation Award by Leng Saw, whose parents and mother-in-law have all lived at Wearne House. In his nomination of Sharon, Leng shared heartfelt words of gratitude, saying, \"Sharon inspires her staff to do their best every day. She is loving, caring, diligent, compassionate, involved, and persevering. I thank our lucky stars that my parents and mother-in-law are cared for by Sharon and her team. Sharon is special and I can think of no one else more deserving of this award.”

In addition to Sharon’s well-deserved recognition, Lisa Studholme, Service Manager of the Kinross Care Community, was celebrated as a finalist in the Excellence in Residential Care Award category.

Lisa joined Amana Living in 2015 and she has been the Service Manager at Kinross since 2019. She was recognised for her professionalism and commitment to fostering deep, meaningful relationships with staff, residents, and their families and creating a warm and welcoming family-like environment at the Kinross Care Community.

Commenting on the achievements of Sharon and Lisa, Stephanie Buckland, CEO of Amana Living, said: \"We are very proud of Sharon's work to create a community of compassion, respect and excellence in care at Wearne House. It was a delight to have her accomplishments and contribution to her profession acknowledged publicly.

“We are equally proud of Lisa Studholme for being selected as a finalist for the Residential Care Award and recognised for her passion for building strong relationships with the staff, residents and families of the Kinross Care Community. We thank her for recently stepping up into an Operational Manager role and sharing her expertise with our newer service managers.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have these talented nurses as part of the Amana Living community.  They are making a positive impact and a part of a wonderful team who are united by a common goal to fulfil the lives of the older people we serve every day.” 

Adding to Stephanie’s comments, Sharon said: “I was inspired by my mum to choose a career in nursing and I love my job for many reasons. I work with the most incredible people who never cease to amaze me with how much they give, no matter what role they work in.

“Also, I always thought it was great to have four grandparents but to have 47 at any given time, not to mention the extended family that comes with them, is one of the best perks of the job.”

Both Sharon and Lisa embody the highest standards of nursing excellence and exemplify the core values of Amana Living. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to their residents serve as an inspiration to their colleagues and the broader community.

If you would like to recognise an Amana Living nurse who you believe has positively impacted the lives of older Western Australians, you can nominate them for a Consumer Appreciation Award in the 2024 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. To submit your nomination, please visit www.wanmea.com.au and complete your entry by Monday, 11 December.

"}]}

Easter Newsletter - Happy Easter!

More Information, News & Events

Home Care Packages Level 1-4 Explained

What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

Power outage in Kalgoorlie