Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) are a key element in ensuring that staying at home, rather than entering residential care, is a real option for those older Australians who choose to do so.

Community Aged Care Packages are planned and coordinated packages of care designed to help older people remain living in their own homes. Case Managers work in partnership with clients and their families and carers to identify needs and develop a support plan to increase the client's capacity and family's resilience.

Examples of services

CACP packages are very flexible and depend on the complexity of the care needs of the individual. The types of services that may be provided as part of a package include help with personal care, social support and home help and various other services.
It is important to know that the services provided can change, as care needs change.

Eligibility

To receive a Community Aged Care Package (CACP) an older person must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), and recommended for a community care program.

ACATs help older people and their carers work out what kind of care will best meet their needs when they are no longer able to manage at home without assistance. ACATs provide information on suitable care options and can help arrange access or referral to appropriate residential or community care.

Information about the ACAT closest to you is available from the Commonwealth Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222. You may wish to see your own doctor first and they will also be able to put you in contact with the local ACAT.