What role do Australian health professionals play in helping people choose their home care package services?

Abstract

The home care package (HCP) scheme provides funds to eligible older Australians for social, personal and clinical care services, and aims to assist people to age in-home. Uncorroborated evidence suggests older Australians rely on health professionals – especially general practitioners – to prompt HCP assessments, choose service providers and manage HCP funds thereafter. This was confirmed in a survey involving 502 older Australians aged >65 years receiving HCP funds. As more Australians survive to older age, further research is needed to establish with general practitioners their needs regarding the delivery of in-home care information, clinic practice resources, trainee education and continuing professional development.