Even if you are not quite ready to receive care, being proactive by exploring your options and planning ahead can help you remain independent and in control of your future.

Assessing Current & Future Needs

Planning for your current and future health care is important at any age. Even if you are feeling well now, it helps to have your wishes and preferences clearly recorded, so they can be followed if you are ever unable to communicate them in the future.

Some things to consider are:

• thinking about your values and preferences related to your health and personal care
• talking with friend or family member about what matters most to you
• creating an advance care plan to document your healthcare wishes 
• preparing legal documents such as your Will, an advance health directive or enduring power of attorney
• considering who will make healthcare and other decisions for you if you can’t 
• talking to your GP about preventative health and fitness.

Consider small changes to make your home safer

Making your home safer and more accessible now can help you stay there longer. 

You can consider changes such as:

• installing grab rails, non-slip flooring or walk-in showers
• installing easy access taps and heatproof benchtops
• improving lighting and removing trip hazards.

Applying for an Aged Care Assessment

Please note: We are approved to provide all levels of the Support at Home program, and we can also provide services privately. However, we’re not approved to provide services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), but we’re very happy to help you navigate My Aged Care and understand your options. 

For more information on all of our available funding options click here.

Applying for an assessment is the first step to accessing government-funded aged care.

It's easy to apply and takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Arranging for someone to be with you while you apply can help make the process even easier.

There are 3 ways you can apply for an assessment through My Aged Care.

• Applying online is quick and straightforward. You will need your Medicare card, and it usually takes around 15–20 minutes. With your permission, someone else can also apply on your behalf.  Apply for an assessment online now

• Apply by phone If you would prefer to speak with someone, you can call My Aged Care and their team can answer questions and complete your application over the phone. A friend or family member can be on the call with you if you would like. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

• Apply in person If you would like to speak with someone face-to-face, you can make an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at a Services Australia office (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). If you would like support in your own language, mention this when you book. Make a booking to talk with an ASCO on 1800 227 475.

Preparing for an Assessment

After making your application for an aged care assessment, an assessment organisation will call you. During the call, they will confirm your needs based on the information you provided.

This includes confirming your eligibility and any need for language or advocacy support services. They will also arrange a time for your assessment.

You might feel worried about having an assessment but knowing what to expect can help you be prepared. The assessment is a key step towards getting the support you need.

Assessments are done in person, usually at your own home (or current residence). You don’t need to go anywhere.

For more information on preparing for your assessment, please Click Here 

Brodribb At Home’s main focus is providing unmatched clinical care, and we specialise in supporting people who need help with complex care needs. We aim to help prevent hospital admissions, focus on reablement, and where possible reduce the need for emergency department visits.

Our experienced nursing and support team provides care that is centred around you and your preferences. We take time to understand your medical needs and what matters most to you, then tailor support to fit.

Your Care Partners keep a close eye on changing health needs and work with you to adjust services as required, so your care stays safe, responsive, and consistent over time.

Alongside clinical care, we can also support you with non-clinical help at home, and we can help coordinate access to a range of allied health professionals when needed.

What we offer

Personl Care:

• Showering, bathing & hygiene 
• Dressing & undressing
• Mobility

Support Services:

• Assistance with daily tasks
• Washing & Ironing
• House Cleaning 
• Meal preparation
• Social Support & Activities

Clinical Care:

• 24-hour Registered Nurse on-call service
• Specialised Palliative care (including Nurse Practitioner support & assistance with Syringe drivers. explained in more detail below)
• Heart failure management (including diuretic titration and monitoring)
• Complex wound care (including VAC dressings)
• Continence and catheter care (IDC/SPC care and changes)
• Injections (e.g., B12, Prolia)
• PleurX or Rocket drains (pleural/peritoneal permanent drains)
• Medication management (including reviews to help minimise polypharmacy)
• IV/PICC lines/Porta Cath related therapies and administration
• Ostomy/colostomy care
• Tube feeding assistance
• Post-operative care
• Removal of drains, sutures, and surgical clips
• • Health management plans (e.g., dyspnoea, diabetes support)
• Alzheimer’s and dementia care
• Pressure injury management and prevention
• Falls prevention
• Incontinence-associated dermatitis management

Palliative Care:

Brodribb at Home delivers specialised, person-centred palliative care within the comfort of your own home, with a focus on comfort, dignity, and support for families. We are here for you and your family with respect, kindness, and dignity every step of the way.

We work closely with local providers including St Vincent’s Hospital, St Andrew’s Toowoomba, Toowoomba Base Hospital, and Toowoomba Hospice to help ensure access is smooth if care needs change.

As well as the Support at Home program Brodribb at Home is also both a Medibank & AHM Palliative Care Provider for eligible patients.

Allied Health & Specialist Support:

We can help coordinate a wide range of allied health and specialist supports, 

with referrals facilitated through our onsite Nurse Practitioner. For complex situations, we can also support case discussion and management with the Brodribb Home Medical Advisory Committee to help ensure care is evidence-based.

• Physiotherapists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Diversional Therapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists 
• Psychologists
• Podiatrists
• Palliative care counsellors
• Acupuncture 
• Remedial Massage
• Lymphoedema massage

Our Funding Options:

We are approved to provide all levels of the Support at Home program, and we can also provide services privately. However, we’re not approved to provide services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), but we’re very happy to help you navigate My Aged Care and understand your options.

Here’s a list of all of our different funding options:

• Support at Home (all levels)
• Support at Home – End of Life Pathway (where applicable)
• Private fee-for-service (estimates available before commencement)
• Medibank palliative care provider (eligible members)
• AHM palliative care provider (eligible members)
• Approved Remedy provider
• NDIS and DSOA support (on enquiry)