Don’t delay choosing your Home Care Package Provider
Pam and Ian Shiels have simple advice for people choosing a Home Care Package provider: plan early and ask questions face-to-face.
The North Adelaide couple said for many older people, the idea of needing other people’s help for everyday tasks can be a foreign concept.
“As a couple we’ve always been self-sufficient and if we had anything that needed doing, we did it ourselves,” Pam said.
“Life isn’t like that though and as we started to have some health complications only then did, we start to appreciate what a golden ticket having a Home Care Package can be.”
In May 2022, Pam and Ian were both approved for Level 3 Home Care Packages but due to the frustrations of navigating a complex system and relatively good health the pair didn’t immediately secure a provider to start delivering services.
“That’s when our health problems started,” Ian said.
“It was just one thing after another for both Pam and I and we found it increasingly difficult to keep the home in good condition.
“My advice to people who are approved for a package is to find a provider as soon as possible – it makes such a big difference.”
Pam said by January 2025 the need to use their package had become critical and they reached out to the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) for support in finding the services and support right for them.
“ARAS were so good, they sent someone out and they sat across the kitchen table and answered all our questions and even gave us answers to questions we wouldn’t have thought to ask,” she said.
“The key takeaway was to meet with three providers and go with the one that best suits.
“For us, ACH Group were willing to send someone out to explain how they delivered a package, they were local, and they were so accommodating so it was a bit of a no-brainer in the end.”
Pam and Ian are now using their Home Care Packages and get a cleaner for their house every fortnight and a gardener every four to six weeks depending on what they need.
The package has allowed them to spend more quality time with their two children and four grandchildren, including attending the grandkids weekly netball games.
Why choose ACH Group as your Home Care Package Provider?
For over 70 years, ACH Group has been supporting older South Australians to live well as they age. We know aged care and provide a complete range of services, from help at home, social and health to finding a new home in retirement living or residential care.
Learn more about Home Care Packages with ACH Group.
