See our new website at - http://www.sscci.org.au

The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program is a national service program that aims to provide basic, long-term services for frail older people, younger people with disabilities and the carers of both of these groups, so they can live safely and appropriately in the community and in their own homes, rather than institutions, like nursing homes or hostels.

Who can use HACC services?

Anyone who is frail, has a functional disability or is a carer and fits the HACC target population can be referred to a HACC service, including people with episodic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and some forms of mental illness.

The following people are eligible to receive HACC services:

• Older and frail persons with moderate, severe or profound disabilities.
• Younger persons with moderate, severe or profound disabilities.
• Such other classes of persons as are agreed upon by the Commonwealth and the State Minister.
• The carers of these people.

The HACC Program also aims to address the unique requirements of special needs groups within the target population, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI).
• People from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB).
• People living with dementia.
• People experiencing geographical isolation.
• People experiencing financial disadvantage.

It should be noted, however, that HACC is not an entitlement service. Access to a HACC service is based on relative need - one person's assessed needs compared with the needs of other people applying for that service, so that limited resources are allocated to those with the greatest need for support to enable them to stay in their homes

How do people get referrals to HACC services?

Referrals are accepted from any source in the community, including doctors, domiciliary services, social workers, hospitals, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), another HACC service, carers, relatives, friends, neighbours or even the person him/herself. The referrer will be asked for information that is necessary in determining the applicant's eligibility for service. All HACC services should be using a common form - the Client Information and Referral Record (CIaRR) - for referrals.

An assessment is then used to determine the extent of need that person has for assistance. Most assessments are conducted in the applicant's home and s/he can request an advocate or interpreter to be present. HACC services receive government funding and most services charge service users a proportion of the cost. However, the fees policy must be fully explained to the applicant and no person is to be denied service if they cannot afford to pay. Of course, this is subject to the availability of funds in the service to subsidise this amount.

Community Care Common Standards

It is a requirement of HACC funding that service agencies meet the Community Care Common Standards, which are reflected in their operational policy and procedures:

Standard 1: Effective Management

Standard 2: Appropriate Access and Service Delivery

Standard 3: Service User Rights and Responsibilities