Grab subsidised Gourmet Meals from service provider
GOURMET Meals owner Daniel Wuthrich says they are sometimes asked if the business is a Home Care Service Provider (HCSP).
“While the answer to this is ‘no’, we are, however, a subsidised meal option for those who are eligible,” he said.
“You’re more likely to be eligible if you are over 65, living independently, have specific needs and have been assigned ‘an Aged Care Package’.”
Mr Wuthrich said the Australian Government subsidised a variety of organisations or individuals to help people access the care they needed.
“If you are generally able to manage at home but need a bit of support with a few basic tasks, you could be eligible for subsidised support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP),” he said.
“This support usually does not include meal preparation and delivery. Home Care Packages are for those with greater or more complex needs. These services are delivered through Home Care
Service Providers and include services such as personal care, nursing, occupational therapy, meal preparation or meal delivery and dietary advice, to name a few.
“While HCSPs often provide many services themselves, some services, however, such as meal preparation and delivery – may be outsourced to a meal delivery company such as Gourmet Meals.
“While we are a private – non-funded – service, we are a ‘preferred supplier’ of prepared and delivered meals for the HCSPs. The HCSP has an agreement with Gourmet Meals to provide meals, but the HCSP manages the funds of those on the Aged Care Packages.
“A comprehensive assessment will be done with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who will decide what level of support you’re eligible for and what level package you may be approved for.
“After a waiting period, which at times can be quite
lengthy, you may be assigned a Home Care Package that details what services you are funded for according to your assessed needs.
“Those who are eligible to have prepared meals delivered to their home can choose their meal provider. This is where you can select Gourmet Meals.
“The government usually subsidises 70 per cent of the order cost under your Home Care Package.
“Included within this subsidy is delivery – most of the time, preparation and packaging costs. The remaining 30 per cent of the price of the meals – which covers the cost of ingredients – is all that you need to pay for.
“In order to place an order, an agreement has to be set up between Gourmet Meals and the Home Care Service Provider, and once that has been done, you will be able to call Gourmet Meals directly to make an order.
“In short, if you’d like to order meals from us that are subsidised, see if you or a member of your family may be eligible for a subsidy by getting in touch with My Aged Care – myagedcare.gov.au.
“They will organise the assessment and advise eligibility; they will then provide you with a list of Home Care Service Providers in your area who you can appoint to manage your funds and help you arrange the food service with us.”