Aged care isn’t provided by one or two key people, it’s a whole team working together to make sure residents and clients get the care and support they need, every day. Some of these people you’ll see often, others are more behind the scenes, but they all play an important part in keeping things safe, comfortable and running smoothly.
So, who’s actually in these teams? What do they do, and why does it matter?
In this series, we’ll introduce you to the different roles in aged care, explain what they’re responsible for, and show how they all work together to support you and your loved ones.
What is a Care Partner in home care?
A Care Partner in home care is your main go-to person for organising and coordinating the support you receive at home.
They:
- Coordinate and oversee your services so care matches your needs and preferences
- Act as the main contact for you, your family and your support workers
- Create, review and update your care plan as things change
- Keep an eye on your funding and update budgeting tools so your budget stays healthy
- Support and guide Care Support Workers and work closely with the wider team
- Liaise with Allied Health professionals and other services, like hospital social workers
- Conduct reviews and home visits when needed
- Make sure services and paperwork meet Aged Care Quality Standards.
In short, a Care Partner helps bring everything together so your care at home is safe, well organised and truly tailored to you.
Why is a Care Partner important?
A Care Partner is important because they make sure your home care is not just a list of services, but the right support delivered in the right way.
They:
- Help make sure your care matches your needs, preferences and goals
- Keep your care plan up to date, accurate and compliant with standards
- Monitor your budget so your funding is used wisely and remains positive
- Support you, your family and your Care Support Workers when questions or issues come up
- Work with Allied Health and other professionals so everyone is on the same page.
Not many other service providers offer direct contact with a coordinator, but Brightwater Care Partners can be contacted directly by clients and families.
A job well done means you feel supported, listened to and confident in your care.
When are clients and families likely to see or hear from a Care Partner?
Contact with a Care Partner is based on your needs, but there are some general expectations.
You’re likely to hear from or see your Care Partner:
- At least once a month by phone as a minimum check-in
- At home visits, which happen as needed and at least once a year
- When you, your family or staff have questions, concerns or need changes to your care
- When they’re reviewing your care plan, funding or services.
While every person’s situation is different, you can expect your Care Partner to be reachable, responsive and actively involved in making sure your home care continues to work well for you.
When are clients and families likely to see or hear from a Care Worker?
Clients and families usually see a Care Worker during scheduled visits, which may be in the mornings, afternoons or on weekends, depending on the care plan. Home care support is flexible and delivered through rostered shifts.
You’re also likely to see or hear from a Care Worker:
- During regular care plan reviews
- When accompanying clients to outings or appointments
- When support needs increase, such as after a hospital stay
- If there are changes in wellbeing that need to be shared with the wider care team
Through regular visits, Care Workers build trusting relationships and become a familiar, steady presence in the home that clients and families can rely on.
