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Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding My Aged Care Home Modifications

David Chen, Aged Care Specialist
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Learn how to access home modification support through My Aged Care, including eligibility requirements and the application process for older Australians seeking to age safely at home.

# Understanding My Aged Care Home Modifications

## Introduction

Learn how to access home modification support through My Aged Care, including eligibility requirements and the application process. This guide helps older Australians navigate the aged care system to fund essential home safety improvements.

## What is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is the Australian Government's entry point to aged care services. It provides:

  • Information about aged care services
  • Assessment of your needs
  • Connection to appropriate services
  • Funding for eligible services
  • Ongoing support coordination

    • Not the same as NDIS:

  • NDIS: For people under 65 with disability
  • My Aged Care: For people 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

    • ## Types of Home Support

    ### Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

    For lower-level support needs

    May fund:

  • Minor home modifications up to $1,000
  • Simple grab rails
  • Lever taps
  • Ramps (small)
  • Basic assistive technology
  • Home maintenance and modifications

    • Cannot fund:

  • Major renovations
  • Expensive equipment
  • Ongoing complex needs

    • Assessment:

  • Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
  • Phone or home visit
  • Usually 45-60 minutes
  • Determines services you can access

    • ### Home Care Packages

    For more complex needs

    Four levels:

  • **Level 1:** Basic care needs ($9,000/year)
  • **Level 2:** Low-level care needs ($16,000/year)
  • **Level 3:** Intermediate care needs ($34,000/year)
  • **Level 4:** High care needs ($52,000/year)

    • Home modifications under HCP:

  • Funded from your package budget
  • More flexibility than CHSP
  • Can accumulate funds for larger projects
  • Must be "reasonable and necessary"
  • Require assessments and quotes

    • Assessment:

  • Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
  • More comprehensive than RAS
  • Face-to-face assessment
  • Can take 2-3 hours
  • Determines package level

    • ## Eligibility Criteria

    ### Age Requirements

  • 65 years or older, OR
  • 50 years or older (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), OR
  • 50 years or older (experiencing homelessness or at risk)

    • ### Residency Requirements

  • Australian citizen, OR
  • Permanent resident, OR
  • Special Category Visa holder

    • ### Needs Assessment

  • Demonstrable functional limitations
  • Need for care and support
  • Living at home (not in residential aged care)
  • Safe and appropriate to provide services at home

    • ## What Home Modifications Are Funded?

    ### Commonly Approved

    Safety Improvements:

  • Grab rails in bathroom and toilet
  • Non-slip flooring
  • Improved lighting
  • Handrails on steps
  • Step edge marking

    • Access Improvements:

  • Ramps for entry
  • Door widening (limited)
  • Lever tap installations
  • Raised toilet seats
  • Shower accessibility features

    • Fall Prevention:

  • Removing trip hazards
  • Level thresholds
  • Better lighting
  • Secure flooring
  • Stable furniture

    • ### Rarely Approved

  • Major bathroom renovations
  • Kitchen modifications (unless ACAT approved)
  • Home extensions
  • Luxury or aesthetic upgrades
  • Swimming pools
  • General home maintenance
  • Repairs unrelated to care needs

    • ### Cost Limitations

    CHSP:

  • Usually limited to $1,000 total
  • Some services may approve slightly more
  • Multiple small modifications possible

    • Home Care Packages:

  • Can use package funds
  • Must balance with other care needs
  • Large modifications may require approval
  • May need to accumulate funds over several months
  • Level 4 packages have more capacity

    • ## The Application Process

    ### Step 1: Initial Contact

    Call My Aged Care:

    1800 200 422

  • Available Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 10am-2pm
  • Translating service available (TIS National: 131 450)
  • Have your Medicare card ready
  • Takes 10-20 minutes

    • Information You'll Need:

  • Personal details (name, address, DOB)
  • Medicare number
  • DVA number (if applicable)
  • Contact details
  • GP details
  • Description of your care needs

    • Outcome:

  • Registration in My Aged Care system
  • Referral for assessment (if eligible)
  • Information pack sent to you
  • My Aged Care reference number

    • ### Step 2: Assessment

    RAS Assessment (for CHSP):

    When:

    Usually within 2 weeks of referral

    Where:

    Phone or home visit

    Duration:

    45-60 minutes

    Topics Covered:

  • Current living situation
  • Daily activities and challenges
  • Health conditions
  • Support network
  • Goals for aging at home
  • Specific home safety concerns

    • Outcome:

  • Approval for CHSP services
  • Recommendations for home modifications
  • Connection to service providers
  • Information about other support options

    • ACAT Assessment (for Home Care Packages):

    When:

    Usually within 6 weeks of referral (varies by region)

    Where:

    Home visit (occasionally hospital or clinic)

    Duration:

    2-3 hours

    Who Attends:

    ACAT team member (nurse, allied health professional, or social worker)

    Topics Covered:

  • Comprehensive health assessment
  • Physical function and mobility
  • Cognitive function
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Social supports
  • Home environment
  • Care and support needs
  • Future planning

    • Preparing for ACAT:

  • Have list of medications ready
  • GP reports if available
  • List of current difficulties
  • Consider having family member present
  • Be honest about challenges
  • Share your goals and preferences

    • Outcome:

  • Approval for Home Care Package (if eligible)
  • Package level recommendation
  • Placed on National Queue (if packages available)
  • Approval valid for 12 months
  • Interim CHSP services while waiting

    • ### Step 3: Service Connection

    CHSP Services:

  • My Aged Care connects you to local providers
  • You choose from available providers
  • Services usually begin within 2-4 weeks
  • Low or no cost to you (some co-contributions)

    • Home Care Package:

  • You receive approval letter
  • Join National Queue (prioritized by level)
  • Wait time varies (can be 6-12 months for Level 4)
  • Choose provider once package assigned
  • Begin services once activated

    • ### Step 4: Home Modification Assessment

    Once Connected to Services:

  • **Request home modification assessment**

    • - Through your service provider

    - Or request occupational therapist visit

    - Some services have OT on staff

  • **OT Home Visit**

    • - Assesses your home environment

    - Identifies safety risks

    - Recommends specific modifications

    - Considers your functional abilities

    - Writes report with recommendations

  • **Obtain Quotes**

    • - Provider arranges quotes

    - Multiple quotes for larger items

    - Must be reasonable cost

    - Itemized breakdown required

  • **Approval Process**

    • - CHSP: Usually quick approval for minor items

    - HCP: Discuss with care manager

    - Ensure budget available

    - Get approval before proceeding

  • **Installation**

    • - Scheduled at convenient time

    - Usually quick (1 day for minor modifications)

    - Quality check after completion

    - Invoice processed through provider

    ## Costs and Co-Contributions

    ### CHSP Services

    Cost Structure:

  • Many services have no fee
  • Some services request co-contribution
  • Amount based on income (income-tested)
  • Fees capped at reasonable levels
  • Can request fee waiver if financial hardship

    • Typical Fees:

  • Home modifications: Often no fee for approved items
  • Installation: May be small co-contribution
  • Varies by service provider and state

    • ### Home Care Packages

    Budget Management:

  • Annual package amount assigned
  • Spent on approved services and items
  • You choose how to allocate
  • Must cover all care needs from package

    • Home Modifications:

  • Paid from package budget
  • Reduces funds for other services
  • May accumulate over months for larger items
  • Must balance with ongoing care needs

    • Example:

    Level 3 Package ($34,000/year)

  • Personal care: $15,000
  • Domestic assistance: $8,000
  • Case management: $3,000
  • **Home modifications: $5,000**
  • Allied health: $3,000

    • ### DVA Gold Card Holders

    Additional Support:

  • May access DVA funding instead
  • Often more generous allowances
  • Can combine with My Aged Care
  • Consult DVA first

    • ## Common Modifications by Need

    ### Bathroom Safety

    Typical Modifications:

  • Grab rails near toilet: $300-$600
  • Shower grab rails: $400-$800
  • Non-slip floor treatment: $500-$1,500
  • Raised toilet seat: $100-$300
  • Shower chair/stool: $150-$500
  • Over-toilet frame: $150-$400

    • CHSP:

    May fund grab rails and small items

    HCP:

    Can fund more extensive modifications

    ### Entry Access

    Typical Modifications:

  • Small ramp (up to 1m): $500-$1,500
  • Handrail on steps: $400-$800
  • Step edge marking: $100-$300
  • Doorway threshold leveling: $200-$600

    • CHSP:

    May fund small ramps and rails

    HCP:

    Can fund larger ramps if needed

    ### Fall Prevention

    Typical Modifications:

  • Improved lighting: $300-$1,000
  • Removing trip hazards: $200-$500
  • Securing loose flooring: $300-$800
  • Marking step edges: $100-$300
  • Furniture stabilization: $100-$300

    • CHSP:

    Often covered under home maintenance

    HCP:

    Can allocate package funds

    ## Regional Variations

    Important:

    My Aged Care services vary by location

    Urban Areas:

  • More provider choice
  • Quicker access to services
  • Shorter wait times
  • More specialized services

    • Regional/Remote Areas:

  • Limited provider choice
  • Longer wait times possible
  • May have mobile services
  • May need to travel for assessments
  • Additional support for travel costs

    • State Differences:

  • Each state has regional providers
  • Services may differ slightly
  • Local councils may offer additional support
  • Some state-specific programs available

    • ## If Your Needs Change

    ### Requesting Reassessment

    When to Request:

  • Significant health decline
  • New diagnosis
  • Hospital discharge
  • Falls or accidents
  • Current services insufficient
  • Change in living situation

    • Process:

  • Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422)
  • Explain changed circumstances
  • Request new assessment
  • May be fast-tracked if urgent

    • ### Changing Package Levels

    If Needs Increase:

  • Request higher-level package
  • ACAT reassessment required
  • Join queue for higher level
  • Keep current package until new one assigned

    • If Needs Decrease:

  • Discuss with care manager
  • May voluntarily reduce level
  • Free up higher-level packages for others
  • Can always re-apply if needs increase

    • ## Transitioning from NDIS

    ### At Age 65

    What Changes:

  • NDIS ends at 65 (unless already participant)
  • Transition to My Aged Care system
  • Different funding structure
  • Different providers often

    • Planning Ahead:

  • Start transition planning at 63-64
  • NDIS helps with transition
  • ACAT assessment before 65th birthday
  • Identify My Aged Care equivalent services
  • Home modifications may need reassessment

    • What Transfers:

  • Some equipment may transfer
  • OT reports remain relevant
  • Home modifications remain in place
  • Care plans inform ACAT assessment

    • What Changes:

  • Funding amounts usually less than NDIS
  • Less flexibility in spending
  • Fewer provider choices often
  • Different approval processes

    • ## Additional Resources

    ### Free Support Services

    National Dementia Helpline:

    1800 100 500

  • Support for people with dementia and carers
  • Information about services
  • Connection to local support

    • Carers Gateway:

    1800 422 737

  • Support for family carers
  • Respite options
  • Counseling and advice

    • Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN):

    1800 700 600

  • Free advocacy for older Australians
  • Help navigating aged care system
  • Complaint support

    • National Seniors:

    1300 76 50 50

  • Information and advice
  • Member benefits
  • Advocacy

    • ### Useful Websites

  • **myagedcare.gov.au** - Official My Aged Care website
  • **health.gov.au** - Department of Health aged care information
  • **agedcarequalityandafety.gov.au** - Quality and safety information
  • **carergateway.gov.au** - Carer support and services

    • ### Local Support

  • **Local Council:** Seniors services and support
  • **Community Health Centers:** Assessment and services
  • **Neighborhood Houses:** Social connection and activities
  • **Libraries:** Information sessions and programs

    • ## Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How long does the process take?

    A: From initial call to service delivery: 4-12 weeks typically. Home Care Packages can take 6-12 months due to waiting lists.

    Q: Can I choose my own providers?

    A: Yes, you can choose from available registered providers in your area.

    Q: What if I'm not satisfied with services?

    A: You can change providers, request different services, or lodge a complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

    Q: Can I have both CHSP and a Home Care Package?

    A: No, once you receive a Home Care Package, CHSP services end. The package should cover all your needs.

    Q: Do I need private health insurance?

    A: No, My Aged Care services are separate from private health insurance.

    Q: What if I move to a different state?

    A: Your approval travels with you. Contact My Aged Care to update your address and connect with new providers.

    Q: Can modifications be taken if I move?

    A: Permanent modifications (grab rails, ramps) stay with the property. Portable equipment goes with you.

    Q: What if I need more than my package covers?

    A: You can supplement with private funds, request reassessment for higher level, or prioritize most essential needs.

    ## Conclusion

    My Aged Care can help fund essential home modifications to support safe, independent living at home. Key steps:

  • **Call My Aged Care** (1800 200 422) to register
  • **Complete assessment** (RAS or ACAT)
  • **Connect with services** (CHSP or HCP)
  • **Request home modifications** through your provider
  • **Have OT assessment** and obtain quotes
  • **Get approval** and schedule installation

    • Remember: Start early, be patient with the process, and don't hesitate to ask for help. You deserve to age safely and comfortably in your own home.

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