Susan and her siblings supported their parents as they aged. When the time came to access formal support, Susan discovered how confusing the process was and how long it took to get services.

Susan discusses what she noticed between the two different assessment services and the outcomes. When it was time to sign up with a package provider, Susan researched the management option that suited her best.

She talks about her journey and what she learned along the way. She realised that in not understanding the system, her parents waited longer for help.

In this episode:

• When Susan knew to seek help
• Making the referral to My Aged Care
• The lengthy time they waited for help
• Susan’s confusion and frustration trying to get services
• The package management option Susan chose
• Pros and cons of self-management
• Sourcing workers
• Buying equipment under the home care package
• Susan’s tips for helping older loved ones to manage a home care package
• Things to consider when getting a loved one into the aged care system
• Being stoic works against you in an assessment

Resources Mentioned:

• Coral's book
• Blog - What is My Aged Care?
• Blog - When should I contact My Aged Care?
• Blog - What's the difference between a RAS and an ACAT assessment?
• Let's Talk Consultation

Related Episodes:

• Episode 3: Have I been assessed by My Aged Care?
• Episode 4: How do I get help at home?

Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram 
• LinkedIn 

Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website
• Facebook
• Instagram

More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 

Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.

We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.

Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.

Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 

Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.

Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 

We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.

 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 

Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.