Packaged Care Programs
The MRC Packaged Care Programs offer coordinated, case-managed care to eligible people who need assistance to stay secure and comfortable in their own homes. This program is designed for Clients who have complex care needs and who could, if they preferred, move into lower-care residential care.
We currently have 43 places in our Community Aged Care Package (CACP) program. The two main countries of birth remain Chinese and German, although we have Clients from many other backgrounds. We provide our services across greater Hobart from Bridgewater to Kettering and throughout Clarence. As well as receiving comprehensive case management all Clients have in-home support services to suit their unique situation, for example a mix of personal care, home help, meal preparation and transport.
The packaged care programs have expanded the range of services by successfully applying for four Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD) packages. This new service supports eligible Clients who have complex care needs including ‘dementia with behaviours of concern’ (as stated in Program Guidelines), and who are eligible for high care in a nursing home. Wherever possible the service works with each client’s family, carers and friends to maintain the wellbeing and security of all. We began our EACHD program in August and places filled immediately. All four original Clients have been able to stay living in their familiar surroundings within the community throughout the year. Our staff are committed to developing knowledge and expertise in dementia and participate in training on a regular basis.
Through these programs the MRC is now able to offer a continuum of services to our older Clients who may begin to receive support through our HACC program, and as needs increase become eligible for a MRC Golden Age CACP, right through to high care nursing home care in Clients’ own homes through the support of EACHD.
The Golden Age program is supported by a team of support workers from a variety of cultures and languages that provide the direct in-home support services in a way that acknowledges culture and language. This has proved of critical importance to Clients, many of whom are unable to communicate in English. We have a brokerage agreement with Independent Health Care Services (IHCS) who ensure support workers meet employment requirements and are able to access ongoing professional development. This is further enhanced by IHCS’ status as a Registered Training Organisation.
