Managing Restorative Care Pathway services
While you receive services through the Restorative Care Pathway, you may need to make changes to your care. It may be because your situation or needs have changed.
This page looks at what you should expect from your care, and how to stay involved in decisions about any care changes.
Changes to your needs and situation
If something in your life changes, there are steps you can take to ensure your care continues to meet your needs and goals.
What if my needs change?
If your needs or situation change, you can review your goal plan, share updates, explore options, and stay involved in decisions about your care.
If your care partner thinks you might need extra services within your episode to help meet your goals, they can review your goal plan and apply for another $6,000 of funding (if you are eligible). This uses up your maximum of two restorative care funding episodes for the 12-month period. As the second unit of funding will cease at the end of your current episode, you should talk to your restorative care partner about the timing of this request.
Your restorative care partner will start an exit plan at the start of your episode to help work out what your needs might be once you have completed your restorative care episode. If your needs change, they can help ask for a reassessment.
What if I need to take a break?
There are no leave provisions when you access restorative care. Regardless of personal circumstances, an episode is limited to a total maximum of 16 consecutive weeks.
Can I stop my restorative care?
Yes, you can end your restorative care episode at any time. If you would like to end your restorative care episode early, you should tell your provider and agree to an early end date. This should be updated and documented in your service agreement.
Your provider will work with you to create an exit plan at the beginning of your episode that outlines the goals agreed in your goal plan and how you have progressed against them, as well as any recommendations for further assistance or reassessment if you need them.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to speak with someone about other types of care, if you need.
Managing how your care is provided
You have choice and control over how your services are delivered.
What should I expect from my provider?
Your provider is responsible for ensuring you receive quality care and services. They are expected:
- To respect your rights
Your rights are protected, no matter what type of care you receive and where you receive it. Your rights are outlined in the Statement of Rights. - To provide you with, safe, quality, effective and person-centred care and services
We have strengthened Quality Standards to define what quality care looks like, supporting you to live your best life. Your provider must meet the standards and involve you in decision-making about your care needs. Read more about the Aged Care Quality Standards. - To ensure your future care needs are considered
Your provider will recommend options for when you complete your restorative care episode. They will work with you to prepare an exit plan. Depending on your needs, this might be:- recommending a new assessment for further services such as ongoing Support at Home.
- If already accessing ongoing Support at Home, a recommendation for further services to be added to your support plan
- If already accessing ongoing Support at Home, recommendation for a reassessment to determine a new classification level or aged care program.
What if I have a complaint?
If you’re concerned about the quality of the care you are receiving, you have the right to raise your concern or make a complaint. Doing this will not affect your support services. Discuss the issue with your provider first, as it may be something they can resolve.
Making a complaint can:
- fix a problem right away
- improve your care
- help other people with the same issue.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) offers free, independent aged care advocacy to support you to talk with your provider about your needs. Advocates can also help you understand your rights and explore your options. Learn more about the support OPAN can offer or call their Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.
If talking to your aged care provider doesn’t fix the issue, you can escalate the complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Find out more about raising complaints or concerns.