What Is Consumer-Directed Care in Aged Care?

Elderly Australians have various options when it comes to aged care. This doesn't only apply to where they choose to receive care (at home vs. residential facility) but also in what manner. 

Different care management systems are available, depending on how involved you want to be. 

Those who prefer flexibility often opt for consumer-directed care (CDC). This model gives older Australians a greater level of control in choosing the care they receive.

With CDC, you can decide what services you need, how they are delivered, and who provides them. 

CDC is the basis of the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program.

It helps older people stay independent by tailoring support to their lifestyle and goals. Under CDC, you receive a budget and work with your provider to manage your care.

Understanding CDC can help elderly loved ones and families make informed choices about aged care services.

How Does Consumer-Directed Care Work?

Consumer-directed care (CDC) is a common care management system in aged care, including Home Care Packages. 

In this care model, consumers (in this case, care recipients) have the power to choose how, where, and to which extent they will receive care. 

In other words, you would be self-managing your Home Care Package.

CDC aims to provide a more personalised and person-centred approach. The focus is on choice and control. 

With the CDC system, care recipients can choose their:

1. Care services
2. Home care provider
3. Care workers
4. Budget allocations

If you opt for CDC, you can choose your services. This includes decisions related to daily activities, healthcare, and support services. 

‍Not only can you choose the type of care you want to receive, but how often you want those services to be delivered. 

‍You can also choose your home care provider. However, every Home Care Package applicant is allowed to choose their provider once they're approved. 

Of course, you can also choose your care workers. 

‍Most importantly, you can choose how to allocate funds from your HCP budget. 

‍Managing Funds with Consumer-Directed Care

‍If you choose consumer-directed care, you get to decide how that budget is spent. Mind you, you can't decide how much you will receive, only how to spend those funds. 

Each Home Care Package comes with a set amount of funding, subsidised by the Australian Government. The higher the package level, the higher the funding. 

‍With CDC, you can choose how to allocate your budget.

‍Your provider will give you a detailed budget and monthly statements. You can see exactly how much money is available and how it's being used.

You can then use your budget to cover the following home care services:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Household chores
• Companionship care
• Nursing care
• Home modifications
• Transportation
• Respite care

It's your responsibility to allocate your HCP funds to pay for these services.

‍You can decide which services are most important to you. If your needs change, you can always reallocate funds to different services.

‍But note that you will also be responsible for administrative and case management fees. These are fees your HCP provider charges for managing your package.

What Are the Benefits of Consumer-Directed Care?

‍Consumer-directed care provides older Australians with greater choice, flexibility, and control over their aged care services. 

‍Here are the key benefits:

• More choice and control
• Greater flexibility
• Improved quality of care
• Lower costs
• Budget management
• Active participation
• Empowerment and independence

You have more choice and control over your care package. You can choose what services you receive, who provides them, and when they are delivered.

Consumer-directed care is flexible. 

‍If you're not happy with the way you're receiving care, you can always change it. That way, your schedule will continue to align with your changing needs. 

‍Consumer-directed care can even lead to lower costs.

‍Since you will be in charge of your HCP budget, you will be able to determine which services you want to pay for. 

Also, since you won't have to pay your provider to do your paperwork, you will have to pay less for those fees.

‍This also leads to more transparency in cost and budgeting.

‍You will receive regular statements showing how your funds are spent. You can allocate funds to prioritise the services that matter most to you.

‍Consumer-directed care results in greater empowerment and independence. 

This allows individuals to maintain greater control over their lives while receiving necessary support.

Who Is Eligible for Consumer-Directed Care?

Whether or not you want to apply for consumer-directed care, you have to be eligible for a Home Care Package. 

The eligibility criteria include:

1. Being 65 years of age or older (50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
2. Having a disability that makes it difficult for you to live on your own
3. Needing help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating

Any elderly person who needs help with daily living may be eligible for Home Care Packages. 

‍A disability isn't a prerequisite to apply. 

That being said, if you're younger than 65, you need to have a disability that prevents you from completing everyday tasks to apply.

You could be an older person with a change in family care arrangements. 

A recent fall or an injury can also make you eligible for this form of aged care. If you are recovering from surgery, you can also apply. 

‍Eligibility for Home Care Packages is determined through a formal assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). 

‍It considers various factors. This includes health, personal care needs, and the level of support required.

You can use the eligibility checker on the My Aged Care website. 

How Do I Get Started with Consumer-Directed Care?

To get started with consumer-directed care, you'll need to:

1. Contact My Aged Care. They will tell you if you're eligible and help you get started.
2. Go through a formal assessment. This includes getting assessed by ACAT and going through an income assessment.
3. Wait until someone contacts you. You will be put on a waiting list after the assessment. You might be on the waiting list for one month to a year. 
4. Choose a home care provider. Even though you want to self-manage your Home Care Package, you still need to choose a home care provider. 
5. Develop a care plan. Your care plan will outline the services you need and how you will pay for them.
6. Start receiving your care services. Once your care plan is approved, you can start receiving services from your home care provider.

The exact process will depend on many factors, like the type of care you need and how urgently you need it. 

If you don't want to use the consumer-directed approach, you can always change your mind. Your home care provider will be happy to help. 

What Are the Alternatives to Consumer-Directed Care?

There are three care management options available:

1. Consumer-directed care - it allows the Home Care Package participant to control how they will receive care. They have the flexibility to customise their care plan to better suit their needs.
2. Provider-directed care - it gives the home care provider control over the package funding. They are responsible for organising care and deciding how the funds will be allocated.
3. Mixed-managed care - a combination of consumer and provider-directed care. It gives the HCP participant some control over their care package, but the provider is responsible for their budget.

‍Provider-directed care means that your home care provider takes full responsibility for your Home Care Package. 

This means that your home care provider:

• Develops your care plan
• Coordinates and delivers your care services
• Manages your budget and allocate your funds for your care services
• Goes through the entire administration process
• Chooses your care providers and support workers

You may find this option more convenient. It lets you relax and leave the financial and administrative matters to your providers. 

However, others may not prefer provider-directed care because it means less flexibility and transparency. 

‍For those who can't choose, the mixed-managed approach is the perfect decision. 

‍This approach lets you participate to some extent, but you can let your provider handle the finances and budgeting. 

Your choice should depend on your priorities and skills. If you have the knowledge to manage your package, then self-managed care may be the right choice. 

Receive Care the Way You Want to

Consumer-directed care is a great option for people who want more control over their long-term care. 

It can provide the flexibility, choice, and quality of care they need to live happy and healthy lives.

If you're looking for a reliable home care provider, Haisey Home Care supports both provider and consumer-directed care models. 

We want to take part in your home care journey, even if you decide to manage your package yourself. 

If you have any questions about our services, feel free to contact us. 

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