Description

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 Supplement
• The supplement provides extra funding for people with moderate to advanced cognitive impairment who receive a Home Care Package
• A diagnosis of dementia alone is not enough to qualify; significant cognitive impairment must be demonstrated
• The PAS is not widely known among clinicians, including GPs and practice nurses
• Occupational therapists are not approved to complete the PAS screening
• Incorrect screening or use of the wrong assessor results in the application for funding being denied
• The supplement provides 11.5% additional funding based on the level of the Home Care Package
• This can amount to over $7,000 per year for someone on a Level 4 package
• The Dementia and Cognition Supplement will not continue under Support at Home
• People currently receiving the supplement will retain it after November 1st
• The supplement is tied to the Home Care Package Program, not Support at Home
• Many self-managed clients miss out due to lack of support or awareness
• Michelle offers a pre-screening service to check eligibility before proceeding

Resources mentioned:

• Blog - What is the dementia and cognition supplement?
• Service - Screening for eligibility for the dementia and cognition supplement
• Email Michelle - admin@seemeacn.com.au
• Phone Michelle - 0432 995 776

Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram 
• LinkedIn 

Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website
• Facebook
• 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...