Home And Community Care (HACC)
Home And Community Care (HACC) services are available to older people, or to their carers, living in their own home if they have difficulty coping without assistance. It may, however, be necessary to place one's name on a waiting list before a service can be obtained due to the demand for HACC services.
Referral and Assessment
A person who needs assistance can ring a HACC service directly or another person or service can ring on their behalf. The service will do an assessment and will discuss what services would be most appropriate.
Please note
TARS does not provide information or referrals to HACC services; if you require information or a referral please call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.
Cost
There is usually a fee payable, this is discussed and negotiated with the service provider.
Rights and Responsibilities
Recipients of HACC services have Rights and Responsibilities.
Some rights include:
- Being treated with dignity and respect
- Receiving pleasant, reliable and punctual service
- Being able to have input into how the service is delivered
- Receiving a service that is culturally sensitive and non-discriminatory
- Private, safe and secure service
- Prompt answers to complaints
- Confidentiality
- The right to view your records
Responsibilities include:
- Treating staff with dignity and respect
- Keeping a safe working environment for staff, that complies with Occupational Health and Safety requirements
- Paying the fees agreed on; advising the service if you can no longer pay what amount
Code of Conduct
The NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has a Code of Conduct with which HACC services need to comply. The Code prevents the service and its staff from assisting you in any legal or financial matters, for instance:
- Operating your bank account unless you give proper authority
- Acting as power of attorney
- Acting as executor of your estate
- Signing credit cards
- Offering financial advice
- Offering to buy something you own
- Accepting loans or gifts, including benefiting from your will
TARS education
TARS educators are available to provide education to recipients and providers of Home and Community Care (HACC) services on the rights of a HACC service recipient.
To discuss education on the rights of recipients of HACC services, call our office on (02) 9281 3600 or 1800 424 079 for country callers.
Complaints about HACC Services
Complaints should be directed to the NSW Ombudsman 1800 451 524.
