I qualify for rest home care. I want to stay home. Can I?

In short, an assessment showing you require rest home level of care, no longer means that this will be provided in a residential care facility.

Over recent years there has been a change of emphasis by successive governments to enable people to remain at home for as long as possible. This often means that even though you may qualify for rest home care (or another level of residential care) you will probably be offered increasing amounts of support at home. This support may vary over time if, or as your needs change.

Depending on your assessment, your eligibility, and your ability to pay, the types of services you can access will vary. Personal care (help with personal care tasks such as showering) is generally a free service to those who qualify through their assessment. Other services such as domestic or household management may be subsidised, or you may have to privately pay for them. If you have a carer, they and you, may be eligible for some respite care.

If all efforts to support you to remain at home prove to be insufficient, your assessment will give you access to residential care. However, a reassessment may be required.

See also the article: What home help can I get? Who pays?