New guidance for consumers and providers on restorative care
The Department of Health has released a new booklet to guide consumers on accessing the Short-Term Restorative Care Program, as well as an updated manual for service providers.
The Department of Health has released a new booklet to guide consumers on accessing the Short-Term Restorative Care Program, as well as an updated manual for service providers.
The Your guide to short-term restorative care consumer booklet:
- outlines the program’s key features and eligibility criteria
- describes the pathway for accessing the program,
- provides a flexible care agreement checklist, and
- identifies key things for consumers to consider.
The information resource has been designed to support older people and informal carers to understand the program and manage their services.
The department has also released an updated manual for providers delivering STRC services. The department said changes relate to:
- the claim for payment process
- the provision of Modified Barthel Index tests
- client leave provisions
- rules governing the acceptance, rejection and termination of care
- the provision of financial information to clients.
In February, the Federal Government announced the inaugural allocation of 400 STRC places with another 75 in 2017-2018
The STRC program was a 2015 budget initiative and aims to help older people regain their independence and remain living in or return to their homes after experiencing illness or injury.
The program offers goal-oriented, multi-disciplinary support for up to eight weeks and can be delivered in a home or residential aged care setting or a combination of both.