At Rural Lifestyle Options Australia, we are committed to supporting older Australians with high-quality and tailored Aged Care Home Care services. As the Australian government rolls out the new 'Support at Home' program, we understand that the changes may raise questions and concerns for our community.

To ensure that our participants and their families are well-informed and prepared for these changes, we have developed a 'Support At Home' Blog Series. It aims to clarify the key aspects of the new program, including how it works, what services are available and how the transition will unfold.

Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information so that our clients can make empowered decisions about their care and continue to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.

Creating a Personalised Care Plan: The Key to Maximising Your Support at Home Services

A personalised care plan is the cornerstone of the Support at Home program. It’s designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring that the services you receive are tailored to your individual circumstances.

But what exactly goes into creating a personalised care plan, and how can it make a difference in the effectiveness of the care you receive?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of a personalised care plan and provide guidance on how to create one that aligns with your specific goals, needs, and preferences. We’ll also discuss the steps to review and update the plan as your needs change over time.

What Is a Personalised Care Plan?

A personalised care plan is a document that outlines the services and support you will receive under the Support at Home program. The goal of this plan is to ensure that the care you receive is not only aligned with your medical and physical needs but also takes into account your lifestyle preferences, daily routines, and personal goals.

Here’s what a typical personalised care plan includes:

• Your goals: Short- and long-term goals related to your health, wellbeing and independence.

• Care needs assessment: An evaluation of your physical, emotional and social care requirements.

• Services provided: A detailed list of the services covered by your funding, such as personal care, domestic help and medical support.

• Support providers: The names of the service providers, such as home care agencies, medical professionals and allied health workers.

• Care schedule: A plan for when services will be provided, including frequency and timing.

  
  

By clearly defining your needs and the services required to address them, the personalised care plan acts as a roadmap for managing your Support at Home services.

Why Is a Personalised Care Plan Important?

A personalised care plan ensures that you receive the right level of care at the right time. Here are some reasons why creating one is so important:

1. Tailored to Your Specific Needs

Everyone’s situation is different, and a generic care plan may not address all of your unique needs. A personalised plan takes into account your health conditions, preferences, daily routines, and goals. Whether you need assistance with bathing, cooking, or managing a chronic illness, a personalised care plan helps ensure that the services you receive are specifically designed to address your situation.

2. Better Control and Flexibility

With a personalised care plan, you have more control over the services you receive. You can decide which areas of your life require support, how much help you need, and when that help should be provided. If your needs change, the care plan can be adjusted, providing you with flexibility and ensuring that you always have the right support.

3. Maximises Your Funding

By customising your care plan, you ensure that your Support at Home funding is used efficiently. For example, if you need more assistance with medical or therapeutic services and less with domestic support, a personalised care plan can allocate funding appropriately to meet those needs.

4. Promotes Independence and Wellbeing

A well-designed care plan promotes your independence and wellbeing. It can help you maintain a level of autonomy while receiving the support you need. Your plan can include services that enhance both your physical and emotional health, allowing you to remain active, engaged and involved in your community.

How to Create Your Personalised Care Plan

Creating a personalised care plan may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach and assistance, it can be a smooth process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a plan that works for you:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Needs

Start by evaluating your current care needs.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What do I need help with daily (e.g., personal care, cooking, cleaning)?

• Are there any medical or health conditions that require specialised care (e.g., physiotherapy, nursing)?

• What are my goals for independence and mobility?

• Are there any social or emotional needs I need assistance with (e.g., companionship, social outings)?

• How often do I need care or assistance?

  
  

It’s helpful to consult with your doctor, family members, or a care coordinator to get a comprehensive understanding of your needs. An official assessment from a care coordinator can also help identify which services are eligible for funding under the Support at Home program.

Step 2: Set Your Goals

Once you’ve assessed your needs, think about your goals.

Goals might include:

• Increasing your mobility and strength through physical therapy.

• Remaining at home for as long as possible with minimal assistance.

• Receiving support to manage a chronic illness or condition.

• Participating in social activities or maintaining relationships with friends and family.

  
  

Setting clear goals helps ensure that the care you receive is purposeful and helps you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Step 3: Choose the Right Services

Next, select the services that best match your needs.

Here are some examples of services you might include in your plan:

• Personal care (e.g., help with bathing, dressing, grooming).

• Household support (e.g., cleaning, meal preparation).

• Clinical and allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, nursing).

• Social support (e.g., help with attending social events, companionship).

• Transport assistance (e.g., help getting to medical appointments or outings).

  
  

Be sure to prioritise services that are essential for your health and independence while keeping within the limits of your Support at Home funding.

Step 4: Develop a Schedule

Work with your care coordinator to develop a schedule for when services will be provided. This includes:

• The frequency of each service (daily, weekly, or as needed).

• The time of day that services will occur (morning, afternoon, evening).

• Any special considerations or preferences (e.g., a preference for certain days or times for home care).

  
  

Having a clear schedule helps ensure consistency and that your care needs are met without disruption.

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust

Your needs will likely change over time. As you experience changes in health or circumstances, it’s important to regularly review and adjust your personalised care plan.

Schedule periodic reviews with your care coordinator to discuss:

• Any changes in your health or daily routine.

• The effectiveness of the services you’re receiving.

• Adjustments to your goals or schedule.

• Any changes to your funding allocation.

  
  

This ongoing process ensures that your care plan stays up to date and relevant to your needs.

Working with Your Care Coordinator

Your care coordinator plays a critical role in creating and managing your personalised care plan. They will help you:

• Assess your needs and goals.

• Develop a care plan that aligns with your preferences and funding.

• Communicate with service providers to implement the plan.

• Review the plan periodically to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

  
  

Open communication with your care coordinator is essential to ensure that the care plan remains effective. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns or request changes if something isn’t working for you.

Final Thoughts...

Creating a personalised care plan is a crucial step in ensuring that you get the most out of your Support at Home funding. It allows you to receive tailored care that meets your unique needs, goals, and preferences, while promoting independence, wellbeing, and a sense of control over your life.

By working closely with your care coordinator, reviewing your plan regularly, and adjusting services as needed, you can ensure that your care remains relevant and effective over time. In our next blog post, we’ll discuss how to manage your Support at Home services during a health crisis or unexpected change.

Stay tuned for more details and feel free to ask any questions to our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing enquiries@rloa.org.au today!