What is transition care?
Transition Care is short-term care provided to help older people leaving hospital to get back on their feet quickly. If eligible, this care can reduce your need to engage with long-term care or support services.
This type of care can be provided to you in your home, in an Aged Care home, or in a hospital. It may include:
Therapy Services: such as physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy
Nursing Support: such as wound care, pain management and medication assistance
Personal Care: such as showering, dressing and mobility support
Most people who are eligible for this care want to remain in their home for as long as possible, and therefore utilising Transition Care after a hospital visit may help you achieve this goal.
Importantly, Transition Care is determined based on need and not on your ability to pay fees.
How long can I have access to Transition Care?
You can access care for up to 12 weeks per year (with seven weeks the average period it is accessed).
What does it cost?
Transition Care (such as Home Care or Residential Aged Care) may require you to contribute towards your cost of care.
Providers will determine their fees with you, however the government has capped what you can be expected to pay as per the below:
$10.75 per day (if you receive Transition Care while living at home)
$52.25 per day (if you receive Transition Care while living in a residential setting)
Who is eligible and how do I apply for it?
You may be eligible for Transition Care if you are an older person and you:
Are a patient in a hospital (public or private)
Have been told that you are ready to leave hospital; and
Would benefit from receiving the above services for a short period of time.
To be deemed eligible for Transition Care you will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can request the hospital staff arrange this assessment for you, or you can contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422. You must start your Transition Care as soon as you leave the hospital.
If eligible, you will be able to connect with a Transition Care provider who will assist with your aged care advice around leaving hospital, as well as commencing and ceasing your care.
Can I access Transition Care if I am already receiving Aged Care services?
It is possible to access Transition Care if you are already receiving Aged Care services in the following circumstances:
Living in an Aged Care home: If you are travelling interstate, you can access Transition Care services elsewhere. Your place at your Aged Care home is held until you return.
In receipt of a Home Care Package: Your services can be paused until you return from Transition Care
In receipt of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme: You can access Transition Care at the same time, however they must provide services that help with different aspects of your care. This will be assessed differently to ensure you are not doubling up on services.
Our team of Aged Care specialists are here to help
To ensure you are equipped with everything you need to make an informed decision, get in touch with the Rethink Aged Care team. We provide personalised aged care advice locally in Newcastle and nationally via GoTo Meetings to assist you with determining your care needs. Contact us on 02 4962 4440.
Figures are current at the time of writing and are subject to legislative change.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/short-term-care/transition-care