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Navigating the world of aged care services can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the system. It's common for clients and their families to feel confused about service codes, who to contact, and how to get the help they need.
This is why we have broken down some of the common challenges, to ensure that aged care services are as straightforward and supportive as possible.
Protecting your independence
One of the biggest concerns for clients and their families is the fear that once they engage with My Aged Care (MAC) to start the process of receiving funding and supports, they will end up in a nursing home and lose their independence.
This is a common misconception, and it’s important for you to know that the goal of aged care services is to keep you in your home and out of care for as long as possible.
You can be sure that no decisions will be made without your agreement, and services are tailored to meet your needs and preferences.
Understanding service codes
Contacting My Aged Care is where everything begins. It’s here that you will:
- Have your first assessment
- Receive a welcome letter from MAC
- Are given your referral codes
One of the most common sources of confusion during this process is understanding the codes you are given. These codes determine what type of support you are eligible for, whether it be funding, equipment, or specific services. Without understanding them, it can become harder to access the right help.
There are two kinds of referral codes you can receive via the portal:
- Codes that relate to the services you can receive.
- Codes that can be given directly to a provider of your choice.
By better understanding what these codes are and can offer, you and your family can better understand what services you are entitled to.
During the assessment process, it’s important to include family members and supporters who are directly involved to learn alongside you. This ensures that everyone understands the available resources and how to access them.
Growing your awareness of available supports
When you are facing challenges accessing services it can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t realize that there’s help readily available. It's completely natural to feel uncertain when starting something that’s unfamiliar, especially when the process involves several steps.
At Vision Australia, we ensure our new clients feel supported from day one. Our onboarding emails are designed to guide you through the process of accessing funding and services, so you never feel confused or unsure. MAC also offers the Care Finder service, a free resource aimed at helping those who may not have anyone else in their lives to do so. These are the kinds of organisations that exist purely to help you.
Referral Challenges
It’s frustrating when you’re given a referral for a service, like cleaning, only to discover the provider can’t deliver it. With all the information you’re managing, it’s easy to forget you even had a referral code to begin with. You may also feel unsure about the next steps once you find out the service isn’t available.
In situations like this, reaching out to MAC for support is so important. No one should have to wait indefinitely for a service they’ve been referred to. For those living in remote areas, this process can feel particularly isolating and overwhelming. However, contacting the right people guarantees that you will receive the assistance you need, regardless of your location.
Remember that aged care services are here to empower you and help you maintain your independence, not to take it away. They’re designed so that you can live comfortably and confidently, in your own home.