Home and Community Care
Home and Community Care - Frequently Asked Questions
The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program is a cost-shared program between the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments. The program provides funding for a range of services which support people who are at risk of inappropriate admission to long term residential care. The Program also supports their carers.
What is the HACC Program?
The HACC Program is a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative. The Program is a key provider of community care services to frail aged people, younger people with disabilities, and their carers in their own homes.These services enhance the independence of people in these groups to avoid their premature admission to long term residential care
Who is funded by the HACC Program?
Currently, approximately 3,500 organisations are funded through HACC, which provide services to around 800,000 people each year.HACC funded organisations include –
- State Government services (such as Homecare of NSW);
- local government services, church organisations (eg: St Vincent de Paul);
- community organisations (eg: community aid centres);
- charitable bodies (eg: St John Ambulance).
What types of support does the HACC Program provide?
The HACC Program provides support for things such as assistance with cleaning, or social support - like letter writing for the client. Nursing care and minor work in the client’s home are some other services available under HACC.A more comprehensive list of the types of services which can be provided under the Program, along with more information about each of these services.
How can I get this help?
Commonwealth Carelink Centres provide information to all Australians about HACC and other aged care services, with a single phone call or visit to a Commonwealth Carelink Centre shopfront.For more information telephone FREECALL 1800 052 222 for details of your nearest Commonwealth Carelink shopfront. Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired callers may call through the National Relay Service using their modem or TTY by dialling 1800 555 677 then asking for 1800 052 222. Speech impaired callers may also call through Speech-to-Speech Relay by dialling 1800 555 727 then asking for 1800 052 222.
Your State or Territory Health Department can also provide you with a comprehensive listing of service providers.
- Many services can also be contacted through local doctors, hospitals and community health centres.
Am I eligible to receive this type of assistance?
In general terms, you may be eligible to receive assistance from the HACC Program if you are either a frail aged or younger person with a disability, or their carer, and not already in receipt of other government-subsidised services that are similar to HACC services, for example Veterans’ Home Care.Commonwealth Carelink Centres have local knowledge about HACC services and eligibility criteria.
- Anyone can use a Commonwealth Carelink Centre to access information, either by visiting a shopfront personally or by telephoning FREECALL
Who will assess my care needs?
The HACC Program is based on assessed need.The Service Provider will assess your relative care need in conjunction with your local doctor and/or other health professionals, in partnership with you and/or your carer.
Your local service provider/s will confirm whether services are available to meet your individual needs.
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Are there fees for these services?
Users of HACC services may be asked to contribute to the cost of the service being delivered.If you are unable to contribute you cannot be denied services on this ground.
The amount of client contribution may vary between service types and between different States and Territories.
You should check with the HACC service you intend to use, or your nearest Commonwealth Carelink Centre which may have information on whether there are any costs associated with receiving the services.
What quality of service can be expected?
Both the Australian and State and Territory Governments are committed to improving and maintaining the quality of services available through the HACC Program.All HACC service providers are required to comply with the HACC National Service Standards.
If you are dissatisfied with the services you receive, you can complain to your State or Territory Health Department or to your nearest Commonwealth Carelink Centre.
