Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) packages are individually planned and coordinated packages of care, tailored to help older Australians remain living in their own homes. They are funded by the Australian Government to provide for the complex care needs of older people.

EACH packages are very flexible and are designed to help with individual care needs. Generally a person who requires high level care could be eligible for an EACH package, and the types of services that may be provided as part of an EACH package include:

• Registered nursing care
• Care by an allied health professional such as a physiotherapist, podiatrist or other type of allied health care
• Personal care
• Transport to appointments
• Social support
• Home help and
• Assistance with oxygen and/or enteral feeding.

To receive an EACH package, you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) as requiring at least high level care. Information on ACATs is available from doctors, hospitals and community centres, at the Aged Care Assessment Team information page or by phoning the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222. ACAT assessments are free of charge.

If your ACAT assessment approves you as eligible for high level care and you have expressed a preference to be cared for in your home, the ACAT will refer you to a local service provider such as Southcare.

Please contact Sue Martin - sue.m@southcare.org.au for more information.