Support at Home self-management explained: how it works and who it’s for

Key Points:

• Self-management can look different for different people depending on what aspects of your support you want to manage.
• You choose the provider you want to work with and then work with them to plan how you will self-manage.
• Your provider must still provide care management support to you, including regular check in’s.
• If you are receiving ongoing services, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management under the Support at Home program.
• Self-management suits people who want a more active role in organising services.

Summary:

Support at Home self-management gives you more choice and control over how your care is delivered. You can decide who supports you, when services happen, and how your care is organised. This guide explains how self-management works and whether it’s the right option for you.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is self-management?
3. How does self-management work?
4. What can you manage yourself?
5. What about care management?
6. Can you use your own workers?
7. Costs and considerations
8. Pros and cons
9. Is it right for you?
10. Talk to Kirinari

Support at Home self-management means you take a more active role in organising your aged care services.

You can choose your workers, set your schedule, and have more control over your care. Your provider is responsible for ensuring the services provided meet the safety and quality standards set out by the aged care quality and safety commission.

Self-management is one of the biggest changes in the new aged care program.

What is Support at Home self-management?

Self-management gives you more control over your care.

You can:

• choose your support workers
• decide when services happen
• manage how your budget is used

Your provider still supports you and makes sure your care is safe and high quality.

How does self-management work?

Self-management is set up with your provider as part of your care plan.
Your provider will help you decide:

• what you want to manage
• what you want support with

This is agreed at the start and reviewed over time.
Even if you self-manage:

• your provider checks in at least once a month
• your care must meet quality standards
• your plan stays active and supported

What can you manage yourself?

Self-management looks different for everyone.
You might choose to manage:

• your support workers
• your service schedule
• how tasks are done
• communication with your care team
• your appointments

Everything is written into your care plan so everyone is clear.

What about care management?

Care management is still paid to your provider, even if you self-manage.
This covers the work your provider does to:

• keep your care safe
• update your plan
• meet regulations

Under the Support at Home program, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management, and your provider must check in with you regularly. This includes maintaining safety, quality, and compliance.

Can you use your own support workers?

Self-management can allow you to work with people you already know, such as:

• a cleaner
• a gardener
• a personal care worker

Your provider is responsible for the safety and quality of the services provided by the worker, so they must approve the workers you request. If you have specific workers you want to deliver your services it’s best to talk about this early so everything is set up properly.

Costs and considerations

Self-management does not remove provider involvement.
Care management is still included in your plan, and provider fees may apply depending on your setup.

Pros and considerations

Benefits

• increased control and flexibility of your services
• increased choice of your own support workers
• possible lower service fees

Things to consider

• your responsibility and time to manage your services, including budget management
• your responsibility for coordination of services, including managing worker absences
• your provider can only use support workers who meet all safety and quality requirements

Self-management may suit you if you:

• feel confident coordinating your own services
• want a high degree of flexibility
• have time to take on administrative tasks

If not, your provider can manage your package and services for you.
There is no right or wrong choice. It depends on what works best for you.

Understanding your options is the first step.

While Kirinari doesn’t currently offer self-management for Support at Home participants, we can help you understand which management option is right for you.  

Kirinari provides full management for Support at Home participants via our dedicated team of Care Partners.

If you choose to partner with Kirinari, you will be matched with a dedicated care team who will:

• oversee all aspects of your support; while ensuring you maintain choice and control
• take care of the paperwork, budgeting and compliance.

You can find out more about Kirinari’s home care services here.

To find out more about Support at Home with Kirinari, get in touch today with our team or call 1300 547 462