What is home care services?

Home care are services offered in your own home or within another senior living setting to allow an older adult to maintain their independence as long as possible. These services may be homemaker-related, such as housekeeping, laundry or meal preparation. Or, home care can also be personalized, hands-on care, such as assistance getting dressed, taking a shower or bath, or help managing medications. The purpose of home care is to provide enough assistance to allow a person to remain in their current living situation. These services are flexible. Our support workers may serve both short-term or long-term needs of our consumers. The support workers are accustomed to altering hours and days of service, based upon their care recipients’ needs and preferences.

Why choose GOOD HOME CARE?

• GOOD HOME CARE is committed to delivering quality care and consumer safety. Our Clinical Governance Framework sets out the key structures, systems and processes that enable organisation wide accountability.
• We come together as a group of dedicated professionals to deliver a home quality care solution that meets your needs. Our Clinical Governance Committee consists of General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, PHD of Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Nurse Educator, physiotherapist, Accountants, accredited translator etc.
• Our mission is to support our consumers’ independence, enhance their quality of life, and provide peace of mind through compassionate, professional, and affordable home care service.
• Our focus is on the elderly and disadvantaged groups including refugees and migrants with Non-English speaking background (NESB).
• Our goal is to nurture our consumers and those who love them, our employees, our communities, and every other person we encounter.
• You can always count on us when you need us the most because we understand the difficulties from personal experiences and also because we have compassion.
• Our vision : Health for a BETTER WORLD

GOOD HOME CARE specializes in home care for the elderly and disabled. The cultural and linguistic capabilities and continuum of care services make GOOD HOME CARE a premiere choice; much more…

• Super Team

• Multicultural/ Multilingual Care

• Fast Service Available

• Choice

• Independence

• Value-based Price

What we are doing to maintain our quality of care:

Pre-screened workers: Support workers have undergone and passed a background check (Police Check, Work with Children, references etc.)

Relevant experience: All support workers have been trained in aged care / community plus 2+ years experience in caring for people struggling with the same illness or condition affecting Consumers.

Backup care: If the support worker is sick or doesn’t work out, a replacement will be coming quickly.

Addressing problems: Concerns and complaints are reported to and monitored under our Clinical Governance system.

Fast upgrades: If care level or diagnosis changes, the conditions will be brought to attention our care coordinator / clinical manager for additional / GP / Allied Health Professional for further interventions.

Liability protection: If a support worker is injured on the job, we cover the cost.

Mandatory training: First aid, infection control, WHS and manual handling, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), customer services, palliative, hospice and end of life courses are provided to staffs

Who Would Benefit from our services?

Anyone with one or more of the following would benefit from our services:

• An acute and/or chronic health condition(s)
• A new diagnosis
• Concerns regarding medications
• Functional and/or cognitive decline
• Frequent hospitalizations and Emergency Department visits
• Pain and symptom control issues
• Frequent falls or fear of falling
• Home safety issues
• Mobility or endurance concerns
• Terminal care

What is Live-in / 24-hour care including night supervision?

Live-in care is a cost-effective option for seniors who need an around-the-clock presence. Our support workers are specifically trained in around-the-clock care and stay in our consumer’s home 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They monitor safety, attend to all daily needs, as well as provide companionship.

There are two options for night supervision:

• Sleeping night care: our support workers are available in case of an incident, but that they don’t need to be awake and alert at all times. This care is best for those who are mostly alright during the night, but, for instance, may need help getting to the toilet.
• Waking night care: If consumer requires closer supervision, a waking night carer will be awake all night, either sitting in the room of consumer, or staying alert in a room nearby, whatever the preference.

What is Respite care?

Respite denotes a short-term commitment to arranging or accepting care. The term is also used to define occasional care services offered by a paid support worker to supplement, or take over fully, the responsibility of another person’s care. Respite care generally may be for a fixed or specific period of time. In instances when a support worker temporarily or intermittently replaces a permanent support worker (family or professional), the term “respite care” is also applicable. We are happy to discuss this option further with you.

How many hours a day and how frequently should I schedule in a week?

Home care assistance is flexible. GOOD HOME CARE is happy to provide care whenever and wherever needed. We strongly suggest arranging a minimum of two days a week in 2-4 hour blocks of time to start. This achieves a baseline of service and allows enough personal interaction between the support worker and care recipient to develop a trusting relationship. This acceptance of initial services and connection with a support worker will prove vital if and when care needs increase. Requesting a combination of household chores, personal services and companion services offers the most financially favourable and cost-effective means of assistance. As time progresses and needs increase, additional hours may be required.

Will I always have the same support worker?

The majority of our consumers enjoy the comfort of a familiar primary support worker. In situations where extended care is needed, we assemble the best possible team to meet your needs. We introduce backup support workers early on in the consumer’s care to ensure familiarity and comfort while continuing to provide the highest level of care.

Is my support worker insured and bonded?

Yes! All support workers are insured and bonded to provide your family complete protection against liability. They are also covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance in case they are ever injured while working in your home.

What transportation options are available via a support worker?

Going to doctors’ appointments or getting out for a change of pace and interacting with other people is a necessity for a person’s well-being. Arranging trips for pleasure, like shopping or a trip to the park, are always possible. Other trips which may add to our consumers’ quality of life include visits to a community centre, a senior centre, or attending church services. Our support workers can provide transportation services.

Is home care a short-term fix?

It may be, but then again, some consumers have been receiving home care for over a decade from us. Our Care Plans are designed for people who need focused and predictable assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). If a person has or develops needs that are random or unpredictable, it may be that home care services benefits them for a shorter time, until a long-term solution is selected and in place. We are happy to talk with you if you feel this change occurs, and refer you to professional resources for other care needs that arise.

What if my mom/dad is resistant to the idea of receiving home care?

GOOD HOME CARE has the experience and expertise to work with you and your mon/dad to find the best option for your family. Let us provide a free home assessment to answer all of your questions and develop a Customized Care Plan that you and your mon/dad are comfortable with.

Is there a long term fixed contract?

There is no long-term commitment except 30 days for handover administration. Use our services for only as long as you need them and are 100 percent satisfied.

How Will I Know the Support worker is Trustworthy?

Our support workers are subjected to a rigorous vetting and screening process, including an extensive background check, medical clearance and reference verification.

What If My Support Worker Is Not a Good Fit?

GOOD HOME CARE is dedicated to making each consumer feel completely satisfied and comfortable with their support worker. If you feel at any time that a support worker is not the right fit for your family, we will replace the support worker at no cost.

Where to give Feedback or lodge Complaint?

Your feedback about the care and services you receive provides us an opportunity to make changes and improvements; Feedback gives you the opportunity to make a suggestion, and correct problems or give a compliment.

GOOD HOME CARE has professional knowledge and skills to implement reporting processes on incidents of alleged or known discrimination, abuse, neglect or exploitation and know how to notify the relevant external authorities. If you or the person you care for has experienced any of the above, please contact us immediately on 02 8006 1398, email: info@goodhomecare.com.au or simply complete the form Feedback / Complaint.

For mandatory reporting, GOOD HOME CARE must contact management as the first point contact before notifying the authorities.

What is ‘My Health Record’?

Your My Health Record is an online summary of your health information, such as the medicines you are taking, any allergies you may have and treatments you have received. It was previously known as a Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) or eHealth record.

Your My Health Record allows doctors, hospitals and certain other healthcare providers (such as a physiotherapist) involved in your care to view your health information. You can also access it online yourself.

You’ll have a My Health Record unless you opted out by 31 January 2019 or you’ve cancelled your record.
(https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family)

What is my Aged Care?

My Aged Care is a government gateway for access to aged care services. They coordinate the assessment of whether someone is eligible for Government support and provide information on aged care support, programs and providers in Australia.
You may call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gove.au.

What is an ACAT assessment?

An ACAT assessment looks at what level of care you need and if you are eligible for government financial support.

The ACAT member will visit you and ask some questions about your health needs and lifestyle. This information will be used to help determine your best care option.

You can have a family member or friend with you during your ACAT Assessment.

How can I get an ACAT assessment done?

You can organise an ACAT assessment through your GP, hospital, or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

My Aged Care will take your details and send them through to an ACAT assessor (known as Aged Care Assessment Team).
The ACAT assessor will make a time to visit you at your home (or if you’re in hospital), to talk about how you’re managing and if you need some assistance.

ACAT assessors are usually nurses, social workers or health care workers, so they have a wealth of experience and are very understanding.

What should I expect when an ACAT team visits?

Aged Care Assessment Teams (‘ACAT’) are usually a made up of health professionals including a nurse, a physiotherapist and/or an occupational therapist and could also include a social worker. The Government’s My Aged Care will request them to assess whether you are eligible for funding and what level of care you qualify for.

Assessments are booked in through the Government’s My Aged Care. A referral to My Aged Care can be put in by GOOD HOME CARE, your GP or you can go directly to them.

It can take up to 6 weeks to be assessed however in an emergency it is possible to get an assessment in as little as 48 hours.
In most cases they will visit you at home but the assessment can take place in hospital or a rehabilitation centre if that’s where you are. When they visit their goal is to work out how much help is needed in your particular situation.

They look at things like

• Your health and medical needs
• Your physical needs
• Your psychological needs
• Your social needs
• Special needs that are important to you and your lifestyle.
• The assessment is free and usually takes around an hour

You may feel anxious at the idea of ‘getting assessed’ but the team are simply there to find out what types of care and services will help you best. You can even have a friend or relative with you and don’t worry, you don’t need to make any decisions at the time.
After the assessment it takes around two weeks for you to receive a letter with your outcome.

If you need help give our aged care hotline a call on 1300 090 256. We can answer any questions you might have and can help organise services once you’ve been assessed.

What are my right and responsibilities?

As per “Charter of Aged Care Rights”, you have the right to:

1. safe and high quality care and services
2. be treated with dignity and respect
3. have your identity, culture and diversity valued and supported
4. live without abuse and neglect
5. be informed about your care and services in a way you understand
6. access all information about yourself, including information about your rights, care and services
7. have control over and make choices about your care, and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk
8. have control over, and to make decisions about, the personal aspects of your daily life, financial affairs and possessions
9. your independence
10. be listened to and understood
11. have a person of your choice, including an aged care advocate, support you or speak on your behalf
12. complain free from reprisal, and to have your complaints dealt with fairly and promptly
13. personal privacy and to have your personal information protected
14. exercise your rights without it adversely affecting the way you are treated

Your responsibilities:

1. Treat others with respect
2. You are expected to be respectful and considerate. All people involved in aged care, including consumers, their family, carers and visitors should make sure that their behaviour does not adversely affect others. Any kind of violence, harassment or abuse towards staff or others is not acceptable.
3. Respect the rights of staff to work in a safe environment
4. You are expected to maintain a safe environment for staff members and others. For example, if your provider is delivering services in your home, keep pets away from staff members and do not smoke near staff.
5. Assist your provider by giving relevant information
6. You should give your aged care provider the information they need to provide you with safe and quality care. This may include:
   • up to date information
   • any problems you have with the provider’s care or services
7. Pay agreed fees on time