Community Aged Care Packages are funded by the Federal Government to support those elderly people whose preference is to remain in their own home, rather then move into residential care. We also welcome and can provide services for those in Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Communities.

As carers of the aged, we recognize that the client is the most important person in our programs and our activities are always directed towards meeting your individual needs. Our aim is to assist you to maintain a secure lifestyle in your own home.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, you will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team. Prospective clients may be referred by anyone, whether self, friend, relative, hospital, doctor, community workers or social workers. The Aged Care Assessment Team can be contacted on the following number: Tel (02) 49363215.

Care Provision
We can assist with the following:
* Showering and bathing
* Dressing and undressing
* Light housework
* Laundry assistance
* Shopping
* Assistance with mobility/mobility aids
* Monitoring medications
* Meals (provision and/or assistance)
* Activities/outings
* Pet care if necessary
* Transport to medical appointments
* Daytime carer respite (by arrangement)
* Light dressings and skin integrity checks

The coordinator will discuss your individual needs with you and negotiate a suitable "package" of services to meet these needs. The Community Aged Care Packages aim to be as flexible as possible.

Client Fee
The level of fee is agreed at the initial coordinator interview. The fee is based on Government Guidelines which is 17.5% of the current aged pension. Clients who receive income above the maximum basic rate of pension may be charged extra. The client fee will be reviewed as needed.

Confidentiality
All clients are entitled to privacy and confidential service from Neighbourcare. All Neighbourcare field workers and staff a confidentiality agreement.

Client Rights and Responsibilities
Our clients key rights are:

       The right to respect for their individual human worth and dignity.

       The right to receive good quality service.

       The right to pursue any complaint about service provision without retribution.

       The right to have their complaints dealt with fairly and promptly.

       The right to be represented by an advocate of their choice.

       The right to be informed & consulted about available services & other relevant matters.

       The right to be assessed for access to services without discrimination.

       The right to choose from available alternatives.

       The right to confidentiality and privacy. Information about a client will not be provided to anyone outside the organisation without the client's permission.

       The right to withdraw consent for release of information at any time.

       The right to access all personal information kept about the client by Neighbourcare.

       The right to be part of decisions made about their care.

       The right to be treated with courtesy.

       The right to refuse any service.

What responsibilities do clients have?

       To respect the human worth and dignity of Neighbourcare staff and volunteers.

       To respect the human worth and dignity of other clients on group activities.

       The need to take responsibility for any results of any decisions they make.

       Clients are to play their part in helping Neighbourcare to provide them with effective services.

       To provide a safe work environment for staff & volunteers.

As A CACPS Client You are Responsible for:
1. Discussion with the coordinator of any changes or cancellation of services, unless due to a crisis.
2. Notifying the coordinator of your preferences and house rules.
3. Maintaining a safe environment for yourself and support carers by notifying the coordinator of any hazardous area.
4. Ensuring that equipment supplied by Community Care is looked after and returned if you leave the program.
5. Giving respect and consideration to the staff and carers employed by Neighbourcare that you might rightfully expect of them.
6. Participating in and being aware of the details of the agreement between you and the coordinator.

Leave Provision
You are entitled to request suspension of services on a temporary basis to enter hostel respite, or take a holiday. If you wish to take leave longer than the 28 days and wish to remain on the program, you will be required to pay an amount equal to the subsidy paid by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. You may take unlimited hospital leave without losing your place on the program.

Complaints
You have the right to make complaints and we encourage you to do so. Your service decision to complain will not compromise your right to obtain the service. Complaints may be formal or informal, verbal or in writing or in response to surveys.

Comments or complaints can be made by telephone or in writing to Neighbourcare. You may wish to involve an advocate of your choice to represent your interests or you may want to remain anonymous. An interpreter or suitable ethnic support person can be contacted if required. If you feel that your rights are not being respected, or you are not happy about the service being received please see your Client Handbook for details of the steps that may be taken.

Advocacy
An advocate is a person, with your authority, represents your interests.

You are encouraged to use an advocate of your choice to represent or support you on your behalf. This may be your carer, a family member, a friend or you may wish to use an advocacy agency prior to the assessment. Advocates will be accepted by Neighbourcare as representing your interests.

Advocates may be used during assessment, reviews or complaints or for any other communication between you and Neighbourcare. It is preferable that you be present at all times.

If you wish to use an advocate you should inform Neighbourcare of the name of the person or organisation that will be involved. You, as the client, have the right to change your advocate at any time and should inform Neighbourcare of the change.