Signing up for Home Care Packages for Dementia Patients 

Dementia is a severe condition that leads to challenges in completing everyday tasks, affecting the patient and their family. Home Care Packages can provide vital support to those with dementia by allowing them to receive the necessary care in the comfort of their own homes.

This comprehensive article covers everything you should know about Home Care Packages for dementia patients. We'll also examine how Home Care Packages can help people living with dementia in giving them a better life. 

Living with Dementia 

Dementia is a neurological condition that affects the brain, impacting its ability to perform basic cognitive functions. This severe cognitive impairment causes memory loss, disorientation, behaviour changes, issues with language and communication, and difficulty completing day-to-day activities.

There are different types of dementia, some of which include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Vascular dementia
• Mixed dementia

To be diagnosed with dementia, patients must undergo a series of physical, cognitive, and neurological examinations. Looking at the family medical history is another crucial part of diagnosing the patient.

Even though there is no known cure for this debilitating condition, there are treatments and personalised care approaches that can help manage the patient's symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Each dementia patient can experience symptoms and frustrations differently and may also deal with changing needs on a daily basis. That's why dementia care is usually closely related to person-centred care, which focuses on the individual needs of the patient. This is where Home Care Packages for dementia patients come in. 

Applying for a Home Care Package as a Dementia Patient

Dementia doesn't only affect the patient but their family members as well. Once diagnosed with dementia, it's important for those affected to receive appropriate support. This includes both medical care management and social and emotional assistance.

A wide array of personal care services, respite care, residential care, and hospital care programs are offered by the Australian Government with the aim of supporting people living with dementia. This includes Home Care Packages, a government subsidy created to provide the elderly and individuals with special needs the support and care they need to live independently and comfortably.

If you or your family member has dementia, this is how you can apply for a Home Care Package:

1. Gather all your medical records pertaining to your dementia diagnosis.
2. Contact My Aged Care.
3. Answer the questions about your condition to determine your eligibility.
4. Arrange an in-home assessment and income-tested assessment.
5. Wait for a confirmation after being placed on a waiting list.
6. Select a home care provider.
7. Develop a dementia care plan.

These steps may vary depending on the severity of your condition and the Home Care Package provider you choose. These two factors can also determine the type of services and support the person with dementia will receive. Keep in mind that different Home Care Package providers have varying criteria for eligibility. In most cases, proof of diagnosis is sufficient.

Some of the most common services of Home Care Packages usually include the following:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation and delivery
• Nursing care
• Respite care
• Overnight care
• Palliative care
• Support with transport
• Social support

Home Care Packages also include access to allied health professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers, who can offer advice and emotional support.

Dementia and Cognition Supplements

Patients with dementia may be eligible for dementia and cognition supplements, which are provided to them by their Home Care Package provider. Dementia and cognition supplements are funded by the Australian Government and allocated to approved HCP providers.

One of the reasons Home Care Package supplements were introduced was to financially aid care recipients by reducing the cost of treatment and medication fees. To be more specific, the Australian Government can provide dementia patients with additional funding of 11.5% through their home care provider.

If you want to receive dementia and cognition supplements through your Home Care Package provider, you must be eligible. Only patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairment are deemed eligible for the supplements. Patients must also undergo a medical assessment, which has to be conducted by a registered nurse or medical practitioner.

How Do Home Care Packages for Patients with Dementia Work?

Depending on the severity of the condition, dementia patients might require 24-hour supervision and professional care services. While patients suffering from dementia can rely on support from family, friends, and their community, their specific needs would be better met by Home Care Package providers.

There are four Home Care Package levels:

1. Level 1 - basic care needs
2. Level 2 - low-level care needs
3. Level 3 - intermediary-level care needs
4. Level 4 - high-level care needs

Note that you can't select an HCP level on your own. An Aged Care Assessment Team will instead determine which Home Care Package level is best suited for your unique needs. The HCP level you will be assigned to depends on your current health, living circumstances, and specific needs.

Depending on the level of required dementia care, you may be assigned to a level 3 or level 4 Home Care Package.

Benefits Of Home Care Packages For Patients with Dementia

There are many benefits of in-home care, especially for those suffering from dementia and cognitive impairment.

People living with dementia often seek long-term support and supervision. Signing up for a Home Care Package means the family of the dementia patient can rest assured, knowing they are in the hands of a professional care team.

Being under suitable supervision can reduce some of the risks associated with this condition. This also helps the patients maintain good physical and mental well-being over time.

A home care provider can assist with everyday activities such as shopping, bathing, dressing, and meal preparation in order to greatly improve the quality of life of both the patient and their family members. Instead of visiting hospitals or health institutions, patients can receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home.

Another way an approved Home Care Package can help with dementia care is through flexible care services. In other words, the home support provider would be able to develop a program that meets your individual needs based on the in-home assessment and other requirements.

It also gives patients and family carers access to specialist advice and knowledge. The person with dementia can have peace of mind knowing they're in good hands. Not to mention that these services can help reduce the stress of having to care for someone with dementia.

How Haisey Home Care Helps Dementia Patients

Haisey Home Care is a dedicated care partner that strives to provide clients with the best personalised services, including Home Care Packages for dementia patients. Thanks to our in-home solution, patients can continue living comfortably in their homes and minimise their trips to the healthcare clinic.

Haisey Home Care offers the following home care services for dementia care:

• Personal care
• Medication reminders
• Respite care
• Occupational therapy
• Social outings and support
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Companionship
• Specialised nursing

Unlike most healthcare providers, Haisey Home Care doesn't charge a basic daily fee or exit fee. We are a dedicated team of highly experienced case managers and medical professionals.

Haisey Home Care doesn't only offer Home Care Packages for aged care. Individuals with disabilities and cognitive impairments, like dementia, can also benefit from our home care team. Anyone who can't care for themselves and needs help completing basic tasks can contact Haisey Home Care for an in-home consultation.

Home Care Packages and Dementia Care

Supporting people with dementia requires a lot more than just dedication and a flexible schedule. A complete understanding of the patient's condition is necessary to provide them with a tailored care plan. Dementia care is best provided by a team of professionals who know what they're doing.

That's why you should sign up for a Home Care Package if you or your loved one suffers from this cognitive impairment. The patient will receive the support they need, and they will be able to live a better life.