Consumer Directed Care

What is Consumer Directed Care?

Consumer Directed Care (CDC) is a way of giving aged care that lets the person receiving care make their own choices. It's all about:

Making Your Own Decisions:
People can decide what kind of help they need and who will provide it. This could be help with daily tasks, nursing, or other services.
Planning Your Care:
Each person gets a care plan that fits just for them. It's based on what they need and what they like.
Controlling Your Care Budget:
People know how much money they have for care and get to decide how to spend it.
Changing Plans When Needed:
If someone's needs or wants change, their care plan can change too.
Feeling Comfortable and Independent:
The main goal is to make sure people are comfortable and can live as independently as possible.

Consumer Directed Care is about giving control back to the person who needs care, making sure they get help in a way that suits them best.

A transparent approach

The consumer directed care approach introduced in July 2015, ensures that providers of in-home care make information available to their clients so that they can make informed decisions on the choices that they make.

It allows aging people to continue to live in the comfort of their homes while receiving home care, partially or fully funded by the government. Consumer Directed Care focuses on providing options from which a customer can select.

Choice and Flexibility

Consumer Directed Care empowers you with the freedom to make choices about your aged care services. This aspect is crucial because it ensures that your care aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Selecting Providers: You have the liberty to choose who will provide your care. This could be selecting a provider you trust or feel comfortable with.
Flexible Service Delivery: You decide when and how your services are delivered. Whether it's assistance with daily activities, nursing care, or other specialised services, you can schedule them at times that suit you best.
Tailoring Services: The flexibility extends to the types of services you receive. You can choose services that match your specific needs, whether it's help with household chores, personal care, or medical needs.

Personalised Care Plans

Personalised care plans are at the heart of CDC. These plans are developed to cater specifically to your individual needs and goals.

Assessment and Planning: The process begins with a thorough assessment of your needs. Based on this, a care plan is developed, outlining the services that will best support you.
Goal-Oriented Approach: Your care plan focuses on your goals, whether it's maintaining independence, improving health, or enhancing quality of life.
Regular Reviews: The care plan is not set in stone. It's reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet your changing needs and preferences.

Active Participation

Active participation in CDC means you are involved in every decision regarding your care.

Decision Making: You're involved in decisions about your care plan, the selection of service providers, and how your budget is spent.
Feedback and Adjustments: Your feedback is crucial. You have the opportunity to voice your satisfaction or concerns, leading to adjustments in services or providers if necessary.
Empowerment: This active role empowers you, ensuring that you're not just a passive recipient of care but an active participant in your care journey.

Budget Control

Budget control is a key feature of CDC, giving you transparency and control over the financial aspects of your care.

Understanding Your Budget: You'll be given a clear understanding of your care budget, including government subsidies and any personal contributions.
Monitoring Expenditures: Regular financial statements allow you to see how your budget is being spent, ensuring transparency.
Maximising Resources: With this financial oversight, you can make informed decisions to maximise your care services within your budget.

Benefits of Consumer Directed Care

Opting for Consumer Directed Care comes with several key benefits:

Empowerment: You have the authority to make decisions about your care, empowering you to live the life you choose.
Customised Care: As your needs change, so can your care plan. This flexibility ensures that you always receive the care that's right for you.
Transparency: With clear budgeting and regular financial statements, you always know where your money is going.
Improved Satisfaction: Having control over your care often leads to higher satisfaction and a better overall experience.
Continuity and Consistency: Choosing your caregivers means you can build lasting, trusting relationships with those who assist you.

My Aged Care - Information & Advice on Government Subsidies

Our Consumer Directed Care Aged Care Packages

The main objective of the initiative is to encourage aging people to remain in their homes through support for everyday activities, so they can enjoy an improved quality of life.

This participatory approach to in-house care means that together we can tailor a package to your needs and to the needs of your loved ones. We can work in partnership with you to work out your requirements and offer a package that will meet your lifestyle goals.

The consumer directed care aged care process works as follows:

Consumers must set the foundations of the care plan
They must consider what level of involvement they want in the management of the care plan
They have the choice of services and who will deliver it.
They will have their own budget and will receive a month end statement, offering more transparency on how the health care is funded and how the funds are spent
They will be in constant contact with the service provider and can easily change their choices as their care needs change.

You Have the Control

Consumer directed care gives you the freedom to choose the services you want and control over the costs. Under this system the home care package funding is allocated to you rather than to the service provider as was done in the past. This means that if your home care requirements change you have the flexibility to change the package.

Beacon Support has been in the business of in-house aged care for nearly two decades. We can help you to tailor consumer directed care aged care services to meet your lifestyle needs.

Call us at 1300 435 782 or contact us via our online form for more information about our consumer directed care aged care services.

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FAQs

Q: How does CDC differ from traditional aged care?

A: Unlike traditional aged care, which is often more prescriptive, CDC offers you the flexibility to tailor services to your individual needs and preferences.

Q: Can I change my care plan if my needs change?

A: Absolutely. One of the key benefits of CDC is its flexibility. Your care plan can be adjusted as your needs evolve.

Q: How do I manage my care budget under CDC?

A: You will receive a personal budget and regular statements detailing your expenditures, allowing you to track and manage how your funds are used.

Q: What if I'm not happy with my current service provider?

A: Under CDC, you have the freedom to change service providers if you're not satisfied with the care you're receiving.