Coral and Michelle are back together to explain the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (PAS) and its role in accessing the Dementia and Cognition Supplement for people receiving a Home Care Package. They explain why this screening is often misunderstood, how eligibility is determined, and why many people miss out on funding they’re entitled to. This conversation is supported by our experience and offers practical advice for families and providers navigating this process.Listeners will learn what the PAS is, why it’s not commonly used in clinical settings, and what goes wrong when providers or GPs aren’t familiar with the screening requirements. With Support at Home commencing soon, this episode is especially relevant for those currently supporting older people with a home care package who have moderate to advanced cognitive impairment.In this episode: The PAS is one of three screening tools used to assess eligibility for the Dementia and Cognition SupplementThe supplement provides extra funding for people with moderate to advanced cognitive impairment who receive a Home Care PackageA diagnosis of dementia alone is not enough to qualify; significant cognitive impairment must be demonstratedThe PAS is not widely known among clinicians, including GPs and practice nursesOccupational therapists are not approved to complete the PAS screeningIncorrect screening or use of the wrong assessor results in the application for funding being deniedThe supplement provides 11.5% additional funding based on the level of the Home Care PackageThis can amount to over $7,000 per year for someone on a Level 4 packageThe Dementia and Cognition Supplement will not continue under Support at HomePeople currently receiving the supplement will retain it after November 1stThe supplement is tied to the Home Care Package Program, not Support at HomeMany self-managed clients miss out due to lack of support or awarenessMichelle offers a pre-screening service to check eligibility before proceedingResources mentioned:Blog - What is the dementia and cognition supplement?Service - Screening for eligibility for the dementia and cognition supplementEmail Michelle -
[email protected] Michelle - 0432 995 776Connect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s...
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