Everything You Need To Know About Home Care Packages

A Home Care Package is a major benefit provided by the UK government to disabled people and terminally ill patients who are not able to use public transport or travel far because of it. You may ask "What exactly is a home care package" - well it's a collection of resources and things, delivered to their doors at least twice a week if they need it. A Home Care packages not only helps the patients at home, but it also keeps them happy, and comfortable, as they get to be surrounded by their belongings, and benefit from the comfort of their own home, and their family and friends around them as well.

A Package of care usually involves an individually made care plan, which is put together by a case manager, with the help of the patient, and his or her family as well. This Care Plan is delivered by "Community Providers", which are private companies that offer home care services to patients, in the community.

Steps to applying for home care packages : 

First step: Understanding Eligibility for a Package of Care: Eligibility for a home care package is usually based on two main factors: a. The patients' need for care b. Their level of disability. The patient's need is determined by a healthcare professional, either a doctor, nurse or paramedic. The patient's eligibility for a home care package is decided based on his or her level of disability. 

There are four levels of home care packages: 

Level 1 - Basic care package: Includes 4-8 hours of home care services in a week. Level 

2 - Standard care package: Includes 16-20 hours of home care services in a week. Level

3 - Extended care package: Includes 24+ hours of home care services in a week. 

4 - Complex care package: Includes 24+ hours of home care services and also the management of severe disabilities. 

The second step - The patients' eligibility is determined by a healthcare professional, and then the process of application is started. "Community Providers" random patients for application, as the patients don't need to register or apply on their own. The patients just receive instructions, in the post, about how to apply, and how to go about it. The patients can then directly contact "Community Providers", who is responsible for the delivery of home care packages. 

The third step - The documents required for application are 

a. The patient's birth certificate 

b. Proof of address 

c. National Insurance number 

d. Proof of identity 

e. Proof of income 

f. A description of care required 

The fourth step - After the necessary documents are gathered, the patient contacts a "Community Provider", who will provide him or her with the necessary information about the home care package. The patients can then book their appointments, and discuss their care needs, and home care plan with the case manager

 

The fifth step - During the interview, the case manager will ask the patient questions about his or her needs, and the level of disability. The case manager will then write a detailed care plan, with the help of the patients and the healthcare professionals. The patients can also inform the case manager about the type of services they require, and which tasks they need help with at home.

The case manager will then write a care plan, which will include the number of hours the patient will need every week and the required tasks for home care. The care plan will also specify the conditions to be met, and the things to be included in the care plan.