1. Who is a carer ?
A carer is an unpaid family member friend or neighbour who supports those who are frail/aged, disabled or chronically ill. Carers may help with the following: Assisting with ADLs (activities of daily living) Being a key person for transport, social support, medical appointment, support etc. Providing emotional support and assisting with decision making

2. Where can Carers get help ?
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre is more than respite. Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre provides information, advice, counselling, planned and emergency respite and linking carers with services and supports. Phone 1800 059 059 (Free Call). Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm or 24/7 for emergency respite. Your State or Territory Health Department can also provide you with a comprehensive listing of service providers. Many services can also be contacted through local doctors, hospitals and community health centres.

3. What types of services are funded by HACC for carers and the person being cared for?
Advocacy services These are agencies whose role is to advise you about your rights and responsibilities when receiving services and, at your request and with your consent, to act on your behalf with service providers. Allied health services These services include physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy and occupational therapy and other services which help people to be mobile and to lead an independent life at home. They can be provided at home or from a day centre, community centre or community health centre. Community nursing These services are provided in your home by a qualified nurse, and can be given to you on a regular or occasional basis. Day care Based in a Day Centre and provides group recreation activities Domestic assistance/ home care/home help This includes housework such as cleaning, washing, ironing and shopping Food services If you have difficulty preparing meals, these services deliver meals to your home. The will also provide meals at a community or day centre. Food services may include help with food shopping, food storage and food preparation Home maintenance and/or modification These services provide help with home repairs and maintenance. For example, changing light bulbs, fixing door locks, removing rubbish, roof repairs, installing safety ramps and putting support rails in bathrooms. Personal care For example, help with bathing and dressing Social support This includes a range of services for people who need help with shopping, banking, paying bills or simply need company Transport You and the person you care for may have difficulty accessing essential transport because of a physical disability or lack of suitably modified transport. Transport services assist with shopping and keeping appointments and may include travel for social activities. Services for carers Respite care services These services are designed to give carers a break from their caring role. Respite care is provided in the home, in a day centre, in the community or in residential aged-care homes depending on what suits. Carer Respite Centres These centres provide information about services, make referrals and arrange short term respite for emergencies or unplanned situations. Your nearest Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre can be contacted 24 hours a day on freecall 1800 059 059

4. How do I find out about the available services in my local area?
To find out about available services in your local area, contact a Commonwealth Carelink Centre on freecall 1800 052 222 or the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on freecall 1800 242 636

5. How is HACC Funded?
HACC is a joint Commonwealth, State and Territory Program with the Australian Government providing 50% of the funding and the States and Territories providing 40%. It was put into action in NSW when the Commonwealth and NSW government signed the HACC Agreement in 1986. The Agreement has been revised several times since then

6. Who is funded by the HACC Program?
As at December 2003 there were approximately 3,000 HACC-funded organisations. These organisations provide services to approximately 700,000 people per year. The HACC Program funds a wide range of non-profit organisations, although the revised Agreements have removed the restriction on commercial services. HACC-funded organisations include: State government services (eg. community nurses in TAS and Homecare of NSW); local government services, church organisations (eg. St Vincent de Paul); charitable bodies (eg. St John Ambulance); and community organisations (eg. community aid centres).

7. Am I eligible to receive this type of assistance?
In general terms, you will be eligible to receive assistance from the HACC Program if you are either a frail aged or younger person with a disability, or their carer, and not already in receipt of other government-subsidised services that are similar to HACC services. Commonwealth Carelink Centres have local knowledge about who can access eligibility for HACC services. Anyone can use a Commonwealth Carelink Centre to access information, either by visiting a shopfront personally or by telephoning FREECALL 1800 052 222.

8. Who will assess my care needs?
As the HACC Program is based on assessed need the Service Provider will assess your relative care need in conjunction with your local doctor and/or other health professionals, in partnership with yourself and/or your carer. Your local service provider/s will confirm whether services are available to meet your individual needs.

9. Are there fees for these services?
Users of HACC services may be asked to contribute to the cost of the service being delivered. If you are unable to contribute you cannot be denied services on this ground. The amount of contribution may vary between service type and between State and Territory. You should check with the HACC service you intend to use, or your nearest Commonwealth Carelink Centre may have information on whether there are any costs associated with receiving the services.

10. What quality of service can be expected?
Both the Australian and State and Territory Governments are committed to improving and maintaining the quality of services available through the HACC Program. All HACC service providers are required to comply with the HACC National Service Standards. If you are dissatisfied with the services you receive, you are encouraged to complain to your State or Territory Health Department, or to your nearest Commonwealth Carelink Centre.

11. Is there any other help available for me to stay at home?
The Commonwealth Government provides a range of services to help frail aged, younger people with disability and their carers remain independent and living in their own homes, including: Community Aged Care Packages National Respite for Carers Program Residential Care Services Aged Care Assessment Teams Veterans' Home Care Program