About YellowBridge QLD
YellowBridge QLD is an independent and not-for-profit community organisation that has been helping people across the Darling Downs and surrounding region for more than 30 years.
Our services support a wide range of people including seniors, people with a disability, youth and those needing community housing.
Our main office is located in Toowoomba and we are a proud employer of local people who care about helping others in their community.
About our Home Care Service
We are a government approved provider of Home Care Packages.
A Home Care Package is one form of aged care provided by the Australian Government to help older people live independently at home for as long as possible.
Once you have been approved and assigned a Home Care Package, you can then choose what services you need and who will provide those services for you. This approach gives you more choice and flexibility to get the services that suit you.
Using funds from your Home Care Package, you can choose from our extensive range of home care services that are designed to meet your needs.
We understand your needs, interests, experiences and circumstances are unique to you. Our priority is to help you access the services and support you need and the activities that are important to you.
We provide you with a dedicated case manager who will help you identify your goals and develop a budget so you get the best value from your Home Care Package.
If you are not sure where to start and need some help, we are here to make the process of receiving a Home Care Package as easy as possible. This means giving you all the support and information you need to apply for and receive a Home Care Package.
How can we help you?
We will work in partnership with you to tailor care and services to best support your needs and goals. Together, we will develop a Home Care Agreement, care plan and individualised budget based on your needs. Delivering your home care package involves a number of steps:
- Your goals
- Your plan
- A budget
- An agreement
- The service delivery
- Invoices
- Statements
- Reviews
Why choose us?
- Your needs and wishes are our primary concern
- We tailor your services so you can live life on your terms
- We will adjust your services to suit your changing needs
- We aim to make our services affordable and value-for-money to fit your budget
- We have a trusted network of local partners to help us provide you with the best care available
- We have a dedicated Care Manager you can contact direct so you always have a familiar and friendly person to speak to (no waiting queues or call centres)
- We are a local and not-for-profit organisation that’s been helping people for more than 30 years
- We respect our clients and hold strong values about honesty, integrity and compassion
What can your home care package funds be used for?
The types of services that you can purchase under your home care package include but are not limited to:
- Personal services: assistance with personal activities such as bathing, showering, toileting, dressing and undressing, mobility and communication
- Domestic services: assistance with housekeeping, washing, cooking and garden maintenance
- Social support: assistance to support your social interests and wellness needs like catching up with friends, shopping trips, excursions or fitness activities
- Nutrition, hydration, meal preparation and diet: assistance with preparing meals, including special diets for health, religious, cultural or other reasons, assistance with using eating utensils and assistance with feeding
- Continence management: assistance in using continence aids and appliances such as disposable pads and absorbent aids, commode chairs, bedpans and urinals, catheter and urinary drainage appliances, and enemas
- Nursing, allied health and therapy services: for example, this may include speech therapy, podiatry, occupational or physiotherapy services and other clinical services such as hearing and vision services
- Transport and personal assistance: assistance with shopping, visiting health practitioners and attending social activities
- Management of skin integrity: assistance with bandages, dressings and skin emollients
- Home improvements: this may include equipment and modifications to your home to help you be safe and independent
What can’t home care package funds be used for?
Home care package funds cannot be used as a general source of income for items such as day-to-day bills, food, mortgage repayments or rent as an example. You can find a full list of exclusions on www.myagedcare.gov.au
What will it cost?
Each provider is different and may have different services and fees. Your service provider may ask you to pay:
- A basic daily fee (which everyone can be asked to pay)
- An income-tested care fee (worked out by the Department of Human Services)
- Fees for additional care or services not covered by your home care package
You will need to discuss and agree to any fees with your service provider before you receive services.
For your services, you will receive an invoice each fortnight for your client contribution and daily income-tested fee.
Each month, you will receive a statement that shows you your package income, the services delivered and any fees. If you have surplus funds available this will show as the balance.
About YellowBridge’s fees
- Care and Package management fees are a set weekly amount for each package level
- Care and Package management fees are based on the Government price caps
- Please refer to the department website Charging for package management for Home Care Packages | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
To find out about our service costs and fees, refer to our detailed price list on our website YellowBridge QLD
Can I make changes?
Absolutely. If your needs or wishes change, we will modify your care plan and adjust your services to suit. You’ll also have the chance to make changes to your services during your regular plan review.
You also have the right to change providers if you find a better fit to meet your needs or if you move to another area to live.
Contact us
For more information, phone us on 1300 882 764 or email homeservices@yellowbridgeqld.com.au
