Consumer expectations of self‐managing aged home care packages in Australia

Abstract

All Australian home aged care packages have been delivered on a 'consumer directed care' (CDC) basis

The decision‐making processes and preferences of older Australians purchasing home support services: An explorative inquiry using a “think‐aloud” technique

“…Older consumers have reported difficulty in understanding or describing what CDC truly means, what consumer‐directed services are and what they mean in practice (Gill et al, 2018). Another study found that if providers offered appropriate levels of information and support, older people were more confident in their ability to self‐manage their care package funds adequately (Laragy & Vasiliadis, 2020). Our findings reinforce the significance of care coordinators in relation to choice making within CDC programmes.…”

“…Arskey & Kemp, 2008; Moran et al, 2013). Researchers in Australia have established that consumers value having choice of their care and service provider, flexibility in the services provided and control over managing their own budgets (Kaambwa et al, 2015; Laragy & Vasiliadis, 2020; McCaffrey et al, 2015). Positive experiences have been reported in association with services that include case managers who deliver person‐centred care, care providers that charge reasonable fees, consistently assigned support workers and activities that enable community engagement (Russell et al, 2020).…”

“…Yet, there is lack of familiarity around the range and services available (Gill et al, 2018). Studies have established that finding information about services available can be onerous and many want support in navigating the aged care system (Gill et al, 2018; Laragy & Vasiliadis, 2020; Phillipson et al, 2019). Independent research with current home care package consumers ( n = 215) found that domestic support is the most common type of service received, followed by transport and personal care (Healthdirect Australia, 2018).…”

Self‐managed aged home care in Australia – Insights from older people, family carers and service providers

“…Two independent university‐affiliated researchers conducted the evaluation. The pre‐trial method, which was described in detail in a previously published article (Laragy & Vasiliadis, 2020), was repeated post‐trial. The trial was undertaken over nine months during 2018–2019.…”

“…Further details of the model, the resources developed to support self‐management, and their final report are available on the COTA Australia website (COTA Australia, 2019). A detailed description of the evaluation design and pre‐trial findings showing the expectations of participants have been published (Laragy & Vasiliadis, 2020). This paper reports on the post‐trial data, their analysis, and interpretation.…”