The Home Care Service of NSW helps people to live independently in their own homes. Services include:
> Domestic assistance
> Personal care
> Respite care
Commonwealth Carelink can tell you about other organisations that provide meals, transport, shopping and home maintenance services.
There are eight Aboriginal Home Care Service branches throughout NSW that provide a wide variety of services specifically for Indigenous clients.
To find out more, please download:
Eligibility
Frail older people and younger people with disability in NSW and their carers who are having difficulty managing in their own homes are eligible for help from the Home Care Service.
Being eligible does not mean you will automatically get a service as there is a high level of demand.
Assessing your needs
Asking us for help is the first step. Once you have made contact, a Home Care Service representative will contact you to talk about your needs and explore ways we might help.
Then, if we are able to help, an agreement outlining your services and fees will be drawn up. Once your services start, we will regularly review your needs.
What do services cost?
Clients pay a contribution toward the services they receive from the Home Care Service.
Your Home Care Service representative will advise you what you will contribute. The remaining costs are shared between the NSW and Australian Governments’ Home and Community Care program.
Your rights
Home Care Service clients are entitled to:
- Dignified and respectful treatment
- Pleasant, reliable and punctual service
- A say in how your service is delivered
- Culturally sensitive and non-discriminatory treatment
- Private, safe and careful service
- Information, prompt answers to inquiries and a swift response to complaints
- Confidential treatment of your personal information and the option to view your records
Your responsibilities
It is your responsibility to treat our staff with dignity and respect.
You must maintain a safe working environment, which complies with occupational health and safety legislative requirements.
You are expected to pay the agreed amount for our services and to let us know when your circumstances change or you no longer need our services.
Our code of conduct
We are committed to providing you with a high standard of service. Carers follow the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care’s code of conduct.
Our carers are not allowed to do anything that involves legal or financial matters, such as:
- Operate your bank account, unless you fill out the necessary paperwork
- Act as your power of attorney
- Act as executor of your estate
- Sign credit cards
- Offer financial advice
- Offer to buy anything you own
- Accept loans or gifts, including any benefit from a client’s Will