Getting Started with Support at Home

We're Just a Call or Click Away

Reach out to us through whichever method is most convenient for you. Our friendly, bilingual team is ready to help you understand your options and begin the process.

What to Expect

• Friendly consultation with Russian or English speaking staff
• Listen to your situation and answer your questions
• Provide initial guidance on Support at Home services
• Explain the assessment and approval process
• No obligation - just helpful information and support

Personalised Care Begins with Understanding

We'll have an initial discussion about your current situation, care needs, and preferences. This helps us guide you towards the right level of support under Support at Home.

Initial Assessment

• Discuss your current health conditions and daily living challenges
• Understand your goals for staying at home independently
• Identify what type of support would be most helpful
• Explain the difference between CHSP (basic support) and Support at Home (comprehensive care)
• Determine which programme best suits your needs

Cultural and Family Considerations

• Respect and integrate your Russian cultural background
• Discuss language preferences for care workers
• Encourage family involvement in the decision-making process
• Consider Orthodox Christian practices and traditions
• Address any concerns about receiving aged care at home

Registering with My Aged Care

To access government-funded aged care services, you need to register with My Aged Care. We can assist you through this process step by step.

Arranging Your Assessment

Once registered, My Aged Care will arrange an aged care assessment at your home. This comprehensive evaluation determines your classification and quarterly budget under Support at Home.

• Assessment typically scheduled within 2-4 weeks of registration
• Face-to-face meeting at your home (usually 1-2 hours)
• Discuss your health conditions, daily living needs, and goals
• Family members welcome to attend for support
• Assessment determines your classification (1-8) and services needed

RusCare's Support

• Provide guidance on how to prepare for your assessment
• Explain what the assessor will ask and what to expect
• Help you gather relevant medical information if needed
• With your permission, communicate with assessors on your behalf
• Answer any questions throughout the process

Understanding Your Assessment Results

Within two weeks of your assessment, you'll receive a Notice of Decision letter from My Aged Care outlining your approval for Support at Home services.

Your Notice of Decision Includes:

• Your Classification: One of 8 levels (1-8) based on your assessed needs
• Quarterly Budget: The amount of funding you receive every 3 months
• Approved Services: List of services you can access under your classification
• Service Categories: Which categories apply to you (Clinical, Independence, Everyday Living)
• Short-Term Pathways: Approval for Restorative Care, AT-HM, or End-of-Life if applicable
• Your Individual Support Plan: Outline of your care goals and priorities

Reviewing Your Options

RusCare will help you understand exactly what your classification means, which services you can access, and how your quarterly budget works. We'll explain:

• The difference between the 3 service categories and contribution rates
• How your quarterly budget cycle works
• What services are fully funded (0% contribution) vs. those requiring co-payment
• How to maximise your budget to get the care you need
• Options for carrying over unused funds between quarters

Developing Your Service Agreement

Once you've decided to choose RusCare, we'll work together to formalise your partnership and create your personalised care plan.

Service Agreement

• Receive a clear, comprehensive agreement detailing services and costs
• Review your quarterly budget and how it's allocated
• Understand the 10% care management fee
• Know your rights and responsibilities
• Ask questions and request changes before signing

Budget Planning

• Understand your quarterly budget amount
• Learn about contribution rates for different service categories
• Plan how to allocate funds across your chosen services
• Discuss carry-over options for unused funds
• Set up payment arrangements

Consent and Documentation

• Complete necessary paperwork to commence services
• Provide consent for RusCare to coordinate with healthcare providers
• Receive your information pack (in Russian and English)
• Get emergency contact details and after-hours support information
• Understand complaint and feedback procedures

Meet Your Care Team

We'll introduce you to the dedicated professionals who will be providing your services. With RusCare, you can request Russian-speaking care workers who understand your cultural background.

• Meet your care coordinator (your main point of contact)
• Introduction to care workers who'll visit your home
• Background on Russian-speaking staff availability
• Discuss preferences for consistent care workers
• Establish communication preferences (phone, email, in-person)

Begin Services Immediately

No Waiting List! Unlike the old system, you can start receiving services right away. We'll schedule your first services within days of finalising your agreement.

• Set up your service schedule based on your routine
• First services typically begin within 3-7 days
• Arrange convenient times that work for you
• Option for appointment reminders (SMS, phone, email)
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate your preferences

Orientation and Support

• Explain how to contact our team anytime you need support
• Show you how to request changes to your service schedule
• Discuss how quarterly reviews work
• Provide information on accessing additional services
• Introduce you to our 24/7 emergency support (if applicable to your classification)