When an elderly person is moving into an elderly institution, the most difficult thing to do is to transfer home care packages from one place to another. Somebody needs to pack those essential household things in a way that would be accessible whenever the old people need them. This can only be possible if you have proper information which tells you how to go about transferring the home care packages.
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How to transfer your Home Care Package
If you are not happy with your current provider, you have the right to transfer your Home Care Package to another provider.
There are two ways you can transfer your package:
- You can tell your current provider that you want to move to another provider. They will contact My Aged Care and arrange for your package to be moved to a new provider on a date of your choosing. This is called transferring without a gap in service.
- You can tell My Aged Care that you want to transfer your package to another provider. My Aged Care will then contact your current provider and advise them of the change. This is called transferring with a break in service.If you want to transfer without a gap in service, you must tell both providers involved in the transfer at least 14 days before the start of the next billing period.
What’s involved in transferring between providers?
Transferring your home care package to a different provider is the same process as arranging the package in the first place.You’ll need to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. They’ll explain the process and help you find an available package with a provider near you.
You can also approach providers directly and ask them if they have an available package at the level you’re looking for. If they do, they’ll talk you through how to transfer.If you’re unhappy with your current provider and want to transfer, it’s best to tell them before starting the transfer process. This is so your current provider can’t charge you for services that aren’t delivered once you’ve left their service.
When should you transfer providers?
If you are in a home care package, you can transfer to any provider of your choice at any time. The only exceptions are if you have been receiving services from your provider for less than three months or if there is a current dispute between you and the provider.
If you have been receiving services from your provider for less than three months, then it is recommended that you complete the trial period with that provider before considering transferring. If there is a current dispute between you and the current provider, they must still be given the opportunity to resolve it with you before you transfer.Your new provider will then organize to take over your home care package.
How do you choose a new Home Care Package provider?
You can choose to transfer your Home Care Package to another provider and you’re under no obligation to stay with your current provider.If you’re not happy with the service provided by your current home care provider, you may decide that you want to switch to a different one. You can transfer your package at any time, so long as there are funds remaining in your account.
The process for transferring a home care package is essentially the same as for arranging a new package, but there are some extra steps required when moving from one provider to another.
Review and sign the new agreement
- You can transfer your home care package if you’re moving to a new area or want a different service provider.
- You can also move your home care package between providers without transferring the package. This is called ‘service portability’.
- If you want to transfer your home care package, contact the My Aged Care contact center on 1800 200 422. They’ll ask for details about why you want to transfer and help you find a suitable new provider in your preferred location.
- If you’re happy with the new service provider, they’ll send you an agreement form to fill in and sign. You need to return it within 28 days or the offer of a new service will expire.
What to think about when moving from one provider to another
If you have a home care package and would like to move to a new provider, it’s important to understand what’s involved in the process.You may choose to switch providers if you feel your current provider doesn’t understand or meet your needs. You might also want to transfer if you are unhappy with:
- the quality of service you receive
- the way your service has been organized or delivered
- the cost of services.
Transferring is often referred to as ‘consumer-directed care’ or ‘flexible care’, as it provides you with greater control over how your home care package is provided.
Conclusion
It is important to find a home care provider you feel comfortable with, and whom you know will deliver the level of care that is appropriate for your situation. Once you have the right person, ask them what they can do to help make the transition easier, but don’t buy in if they over-promise. Having a backup plan in place is also a good idea in case anything happens with your new home care provider. You don’t have to have everything all figured out in your head, but it’s good to have at least a few alternatives already on hand.