Attendant care
What is attendant care or post acute support?
Attendant care and post acute support are support services which helps you at home with things like showering, dressing and moving about. You can also get help with daily tasks like shopping or banking.
Attendant care is usually long term and can include daytime or overnight support, depending on your needs.
Post acute support is usually for people who need temporary or short term support.
Will you pay for these services?
Yes, we can pay for attendant care or post acute support services if your doctor or treating team recommends that you need this help.
We will work with you and your doctor or treating team to make sure you get the support you need to help you with the tasks of everyday living and to achieve your independence goals after a transport accident.
Who can provide attendant care or post acute support services?
Your attendant care provider must be registered with us before they can provide these services. This means a provider’s policies and work practices have met our high standards. We monitor attendant care providers to make sure that these standards are maintained.
See our list of TAC registered providers.
How can I get attendant care services?
Your doctor or treating team will recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday living after your accident. A Functional Independence Assessment may be completed and sent to us.
We will then work with your treating team to make sure you get the help you need.
How can I get post acute support services?
Your hospital or treating team will recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday tasks such as shopping and banking after you are discharged back home.
We will then work with your treating team to make sure you get the help you need.
Effective 7 March 2022
The TAC is aware of the ongoing significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access, therapy supports and other costs arising from the pandemic. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is providing two financial support measures: 1. The 2022-23 2.53% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 7 March 2022 (brought forward from 1 July 2022) 2. A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 7 March until 21 August 2022. |
- 7/3/2022 - 21/8/2022 rates
- 28/6/2021 - 6 March 2022 rates
- 29/6/2020 - 27/6/2021 rates
- 6/4/2020 - 28/6/2020 rates
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $52.84 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $58.30 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.40 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $72.68 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $94.73 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $214.01 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,433.30 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $614.67 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $796.51 |
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $49.08 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $54.15 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $55.17 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $67.51 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $87.99 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $198.79 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,331.37 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $570.95 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $739.86 |
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $48.46 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $53.47 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $54.47 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $66.66 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $86.68 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $196.28 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,314.54 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $563.73 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $730.51 |
Attendant Care
The TAC is aware of the significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access and therapy supports. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is introducing two financial support measures:
- The 2020-21 3.91% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 6 April (brought forward from 1 July).
- A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 6 April to 28 June 2020.
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | AT0020 | $50.88 |
| Weekend Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | AT0020 | $67.56 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $144.38 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,380.27 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $591.92 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $767.04 |
† Program Establishment Fee may be approved to the Service Provider when providing the TAC Client with 4 hours or more of Services per Billing Period, for a period of more than three consecutive months and is to assist with; Recruitment of new Personnel, Development of a Care Plan and Training Plan, as well as Compliance with OHS site audit requirements. This is a one off payment for the Service Provider to ensure the establishment of a quality care program on behalf of the TAC Client. |
Effective 7 March 2022
The TAC is aware of the ongoing significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access, therapy supports and other costs arising from the pandemic. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is providing two financial support measures:: 1. The 2022-23 2.53% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 7 March 2022 (brought forward from 1 July 2022) 2. A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 7 March until 21 August 2022. |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $57.29 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $63.21 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $64.38 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $78.78 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $102.45 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $85.26 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $231.98 |
| Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $64.38 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $128.26 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $140.93 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1,504.79 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $638.74 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,012.04 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $829.50 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,320.84 |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $53.21 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $58.71 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.80 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $73.18 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $95.16 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $79.20 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $215.48 |
| Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $59.80 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $119.14 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $130.91 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1397.77 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $593.31 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $940.07 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $770.51 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,226.90 |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $52.54 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $57.96 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.05 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $72.26 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $93.96 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $78.20 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $212.76 |
| Weekday Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $59.05 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $117.64 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $129.26 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1380.10 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $585.81 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $928.19 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $760.77 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,211.39 |
† Program Establishment Fee may be approved to the Service Provider when providing the TAC Client with 4 hours or more of Services per Billing Period, for a period of more than three consecutive months and is to assist with; Recruitment of new Personnel, Development of a Care Plan and Training Plan, as well as Compliance with OHS site audit requirements. This is a one off payment for the Service Provider to ensure the establishment of a quality care program on behalf of the TAC Client. |
Summary
Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.
Summary
Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident.
If you need help with personal care and daily living after your accident, we can pay for attendant care provided within Australia.
If you require temporary services and support with personal care and everyday living after you leave hospital we can fund post-acute support.
Your safety
The TAC takes your care, safety and wellbeing very seriously. Your attendant care or post acute support should be delivered in a way that makes you feel safe and respected. For more information, please refer to Your Care.
How attendant care will help
Attendant care support workers will visit you to help you with a number of activities. These can include personal care, daily living or accessing the community. Attendant care can also include daytime or overnight support, depending on your needs.
This support service aims to help you regain your independence and get back on track.
How post-acute support will help
Attendant care support workers will visit you to help you with temporary services after you leave hospital. We refer to these services as post-acute support. They can include help with showering, dressing, mobility, banking and shopping.
This service aims to support you while you recover and can then do these tasks yourself.
The below registration requirements apply to all post-acute support providers.
Choosing a provider
Clients should engage a provider who meets our Independent Registration against Quality Standards (IRQS). By requiring providers to meet these standards, we can better ensure a high-quality service.
A list of current IRQS registered providers is available on our website.
If you are unable to find an IRQS provider who meets your needs, please contact the TAC to discuss. We may consider registration of a new provider.
You can also access information about using family and friends as your attendant care support worker below.
Provider registration requirements
Attendant care providers must meet our minimum standards to be registered. These ensure that providers:
- understand our standards when they apply for attendant care registration
- meet best practice expectations in their policies and work practices
- adhere to TAC policies and guidelines, including attendant care provider guidelines
- can have their registration refused or revoked if they fail to meet these standards
These requirements ensure you receive quality and safe care and that processes will support you if issues occur.
In exceptional circumstances we may elect to register providers who don’t meet all minimum standards, on a conditional basis in order to meet specific client need. The same registration process is to be followed, with the expectation that the provider continues to work towards meeting all minimum standards.
Providers must follow the formal registration process and receive registration approval in writing before they deliver support.
How we approve these services
After your transport accident, your doctor, occupational therapist or treating team may recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday living.
Your occupational therapist or other medical professional in your treating team will complete an assessment of your needs and capabilities. This will make us aware of your needs.
When necessary we will work with your treating team to ensure you receive the attendant care you need. This can support you and help you regain as much functional independence as possible.
If you require attendant care for a period of overseas travel, a member of your treating team should provide us with details. They should outline the travel and the care you require.
We may contact your treating team to discuss your progress or request an assessment. The aim is to make sure that:
- You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.
For post-acute support services, your hospital will contact us to ask that you get the help with the tasks of everyday living while you recover at home.
How these services are paid for
We pay for these services:
- Directly to your service provider, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
There is a limit to how much we will pay for each service. If your service costs more than our maximum rate, you may need to pay the difference.
For a list of rates, see: TAC Attendant Care Fee Schedule.
If you are in receipt of individualised funding and utilising attendant care, see: Individualised Funding and Financial independence.
If you are travelling overseas, any attendant care should be provided by a suitable agency from your holiday destination. We can approve attendant care for up to 8 weeks in any year while you are travelling overseas. An additional 4 weeks on top of those 8 weeks are available where you require attendant care while undertaking travel as part of your employment.
We can only pay for up to 40 hours per week for any combination of post acute support, child care and home services (cleaning and gardening). Post acute support can only be paid for up to 5 years from your accident unless you have a ‘severe injury’.
What we won’t pay for
We cannot pay for services that:
- Do not treat, or are not related to, your transport accident injuries.
- Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
- Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
We also cannot pay for:
- Attendant care while you are an inpatient in a public, contracted or arrangement hospital.
- Your support worker’s incidental expenses such as travel, meals and tickets/entry fees for recreational activities or entertainment.
- Fees associated with cancelled shifts.
Requests for family members or friends to provide your attendant care
The TAC does not support the employment of family members as paid support workers. This is intended to help preserve your family relationships and to avoid conflicting responsibilities.
If you are unable to find suitable support workers to meet your needs, you can call the TAC to discuss this further. The TAC can pay for services to assist you, such as a Case Manager.
In some circumstances, it may not be possible to find suitable support workers because of your location or exceptional support needs. An attendant care provider may consider a family member as your support worker for short-term employment of up to three months, while other appropriate support workers are found. This arrangement may be extended beyond three months when the provider requires additional time to find an appropriate support worker.
It is at the discretion of the attendant care provider as to whether your family member is employed. This decision should be based on TAC’s policy, Attendant care provider guidelines and other provider employment requirements.
For family members
A family member who is eligible to provide paid support as described above must be employed by a TAC IRQS registered attendant care provider. They must meet all the requirements of that provider. This is to ensure that services delivered to you meet industry and community standards. Employer and employee must strictly follow the expectations and responsibilities set out in the Attendant care provider guidelines.
As paid employees, family members engaged as paid support workers are subject to the full requirements of the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct (Code) operating in Victoria, and the NDIS Code of Conduct in Victoria and in all other States and Territories.
If you are a family member who was employed to provide support to a TAC client (your family member) prior to 1 July 2021, you can continue to be paid for the attendant care support by your employer as long as you meet all requirements of your employment including those set out in the Attendant care provider guidelines.
Provider responsibilities
Attendant care providers are responsible for determining if they have suitable staff available to meet the service need. They must determine if a family member is suitable to be engaged in a paid capacity temporarily.
Definitions
The term "family member" in this policy is used to represent a person who is identified by the client as a member of their family, or part of their close personal support network. This could include but is not limited to an immediate or non-immediate family member, partner, household member, friend and/or legal guardian.
The term “support worker” refers to a person being paid for attendant care (AC) or disability work who provides personal support, therapy support and/or community access.
For providers
If you are an attendant care provider, please refer to our Attendant care provider guidelines.
What is attendant care or post acute support?
Attendant care and post acute support are support services which helps you at home with things like showering, dressing and moving about. You can also get help with daily tasks like shopping or banking.
Attendant care is usually long term and can include daytime or overnight support, depending on your needs.
Post acute support is usually for people who need temporary or short term support.
Will you pay for these services?
Yes, we can pay for attendant care or post acute support services if your doctor or treating team recommends that you need this help.
We will work with you and your doctor or treating team to make sure you get the support you need to help you with the tasks of everyday living and to achieve your independence goals after a transport accident.
Who can provide attendant care or post acute support services?
Your attendant care provider must be registered with us before they can provide these services. This means a provider’s policies and work practices have met our high standards. We monitor attendant care providers to make sure that these standards are maintained.
See our list of TAC registered providers.
How can I get attendant care services?
Your doctor or treating team will recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday living after your accident. A Functional Independence Assessment may be completed and sent to us.
We will then work with your treating team to make sure you get the help you need.
How can I get post acute support services?
Your hospital or treating team will recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday tasks such as shopping and banking after you are discharged back home.
We will then work with your treating team to make sure you get the help you need.
Effective 7 March 2022
The TAC is aware of the ongoing significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access, therapy supports and other costs arising from the pandemic. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is providing two financial support measures: 1. The 2022-23 2.53% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 7 March 2022 (brought forward from 1 July 2022) 2. A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 7 March until 21 August 2022. |
- 7/3/2022 - 21/8/2022 rates
- 28/6/2021 - 6 March 2022 rates
- 29/6/2020 - 27/6/2021 rates
- 6/4/2020 - 28/6/2020 rates
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $52.84 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $58.30 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.40 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $72.68 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $94.73 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $214.01 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,433.30 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $614.67 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $796.51 |
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $49.08 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $54.15 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $55.17 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $67.51 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $87.99 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $198.79 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,331.37 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $570.95 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $739.86 |
Attendant Care
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $48.46 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $53.47 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $54.47 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $66.66 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $86.68 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $196.28 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,314.54 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $563.73 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $730.51 |
Attendant Care
The TAC is aware of the significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access and therapy supports. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is introducing two financial support measures:
- The 2020-21 3.91% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 6 April (brought forward from 1 July).
- A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 6 April to 28 June 2020.
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | AT0020 | $50.88 |
| Weekend Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and Support Worker Training | AT0020 | $67.56 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $144.38 |
| Program Establishment Fee † | AT0005 | $1,380.27 |
| Approved Travel Costs (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Daily Support: Standard | AT0020 | $591.92 |
| Daily Support: Complex | AT0020 | $767.04 |
† Program Establishment Fee may be approved to the Service Provider when providing the TAC Client with 4 hours or more of Services per Billing Period, for a period of more than three consecutive months and is to assist with; Recruitment of new Personnel, Development of a Care Plan and Training Plan, as well as Compliance with OHS site audit requirements. This is a one off payment for the Service Provider to ensure the establishment of a quality care program on behalf of the TAC Client. |
Effective 7 March 2022
The TAC is aware of the ongoing significant impact of COVID-19 on clients and on service providers, particularly in the substantial reduction in community access, therapy supports and other costs arising from the pandemic. To help ensure Attendant Care providers remain viable and retain their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the TAC is providing two financial support measures:: 1. The 2022-23 2.53% indexation of TAC Attendant Care fees will take effect from Monday 7 March 2022 (brought forward from 1 July 2022) 2. A temporary 5% loading will be added post indexation to the Attendant Care fees, from Monday 7 March until 21 August 2022. |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $57.29 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $63.21 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $64.38 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $78.78 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $102.45 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $85.26 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $231.98 |
| Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $64.38 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $128.26 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $140.93 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1,504.79 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $638.74 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,012.04 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $829.50 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,320.84 |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $53.21 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $58.71 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.80 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $73.18 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $95.16 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $79.20 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $215.48 |
| Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $59.80 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $119.14 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $130.91 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1397.77 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.80 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $593.31 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $940.07 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $770.51 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,226.90 |
Attendant Care - IRQS*
* For further information regarding Attendant Care - IRQS (Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards), please refer to the registration criteria at www.tac.vic.gov.au
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| IRQS Attendant Care (per hour) including Personal Support, Community Access Support, Therapy Support, Post Acute Support and TAC Client Specific Support Worker Training | ||
| - Weekday (Day) 6am to 8pm | AT0020 | $52.54 |
| - Weekday (Evening) 8pm-midnight | AT0020 | $57.96 |
| - Weekday (Night) midnight - 6am | AT0020 | $59.05 |
| - Saturday | AT0020 | $72.26 |
| - Sunday | AT0020 | $93.96 |
| Shared Care Service (per staff person) | AT0020 | $78.20 |
| Inactive Sleepover Shift (8 hour shift with one hour of active support) | AT0025 | $212.76 |
| Weekday Active Overnight Support (per hour) | AT0025 | $59.05 |
| Care on a public holiday | AT0020 | $117.64 |
| Shared Care on a public holiday (per staff person) | AT0020 | $129.26 |
| Program Establishment Fee† | AT0005 | $1380.10 |
| Approved Travel (per km) | AT0010 | $0.78 |
| Standard Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $585.81 |
| Public Holiday Rate Standard Daily Support | AT0020 | $928.19 |
| Complex Daily Support (per 24 hour shift) | AT0020 | $760.77 |
| Public Holiday Rate Complex Daily Support | AT0020 | $1,211.39 |
† Program Establishment Fee may be approved to the Service Provider when providing the TAC Client with 4 hours or more of Services per Billing Period, for a period of more than three consecutive months and is to assist with; Recruitment of new Personnel, Development of a Care Plan and Training Plan, as well as Compliance with OHS site audit requirements. This is a one off payment for the Service Provider to ensure the establishment of a quality care program on behalf of the TAC Client. |
Summary
Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.
Summary
Our attendant care providers support clients to achieve their independence goals in daily living activities, therapy support, personal and domestic skills retraining and community access skills.
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident.
If you need help with personal care and daily living after your accident, we can pay for attendant care provided within Australia.
If you require temporary services and support with personal care and everyday living after you leave hospital we can fund post-acute support.
Your safety
The TAC takes your care, safety and wellbeing very seriously. Your attendant care or post acute support should be delivered in a way that makes you feel safe and respected. For more information, please refer to Your Care.
How attendant care will help
Attendant care support workers will visit you to help you with a number of activities. These can include personal care, daily living or accessing the community. Attendant care can also include daytime or overnight support, depending on your needs.
This support service aims to help you regain your independence and get back on track.
How post-acute support will help
Attendant care support workers will visit you to help you with temporary services after you leave hospital. We refer to these services as post-acute support. They can include help with showering, dressing, mobility, banking and shopping.
This service aims to support you while you recover and can then do these tasks yourself.
The below registration requirements apply to all post-acute support providers.
Choosing a provider
Clients should engage a provider who meets our Independent Registration against Quality Standards (IRQS). By requiring providers to meet these standards, we can better ensure a high-quality service.
A list of current IRQS registered providers is available on our website.
If you are unable to find an IRQS provider who meets your needs, please contact the TAC to discuss. We may consider registration of a new provider.
You can also access information about using family and friends as your attendant care support worker below.
Provider registration requirements
Attendant care providers must meet our minimum standards to be registered. These ensure that providers:
- understand our standards when they apply for attendant care registration
- meet best practice expectations in their policies and work practices
- adhere to TAC policies and guidelines, including attendant care provider guidelines
- can have their registration refused or revoked if they fail to meet these standards
These requirements ensure you receive quality and safe care and that processes will support you if issues occur.
In exceptional circumstances we may elect to register providers who don’t meet all minimum standards, on a conditional basis in order to meet specific client need. The same registration process is to be followed, with the expectation that the provider continues to work towards meeting all minimum standards.
Providers must follow the formal registration process and receive registration approval in writing before they deliver support.
How we approve these services
After your transport accident, your doctor, occupational therapist or treating team may recommend that you need help with personal care and everyday living.
Your occupational therapist or other medical professional in your treating team will complete an assessment of your needs and capabilities. This will make us aware of your needs.
When necessary we will work with your treating team to ensure you receive the attendant care you need. This can support you and help you regain as much functional independence as possible.
If you require attendant care for a period of overseas travel, a member of your treating team should provide us with details. They should outline the travel and the care you require.
We may contact your treating team to discuss your progress or request an assessment. The aim is to make sure that:
- You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.
For post-acute support services, your hospital will contact us to ask that you get the help with the tasks of everyday living while you recover at home.
How these services are paid for
We pay for these services:
- Directly to your service provider, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
There is a limit to how much we will pay for each service. If your service costs more than our maximum rate, you may need to pay the difference.
For a list of rates, see: TAC Attendant Care Fee Schedule.
If you are in receipt of individualised funding and utilising attendant care, see: Individualised Funding and Financial independence.
If you are travelling overseas, any attendant care should be provided by a suitable agency from your holiday destination. We can approve attendant care for up to 8 weeks in any year while you are travelling overseas. An additional 4 weeks on top of those 8 weeks are available where you require attendant care while undertaking travel as part of your employment.
We can only pay for up to 40 hours per week for any combination of post acute support, child care and home services (cleaning and gardening). Post acute support can only be paid for up to 5 years from your accident unless you have a ‘severe injury’.
What we won’t pay for
We cannot pay for services that:
- Do not treat, or are not related to, your transport accident injuries.
- Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
- Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
We also cannot pay for:
- Attendant care while you are an inpatient in a public, contracted or arrangement hospital.
- Your support worker’s incidental expenses such as travel, meals and tickets/entry fees for recreational activities or entertainment.
- Fees associated with cancelled shifts.
Requests for family members or friends to provide your attendant care
The TAC does not support the employment of family members as paid support workers. This is intended to help preserve your family relationships and to avoid conflicting responsibilities.
If you are unable to find suitable support workers to meet your needs, you can call the TAC to discuss this further. The TAC can pay for services to assist you, such as a Case Manager.
In some circumstances, it may not be possible to find suitable support workers because of your location or exceptional support needs. An attendant care provider may consider a family member as your support worker for short-term employment of up to three months, while other appropriate support workers are found. This arrangement may be extended beyond three months when the provider requires additional time to find an appropriate support worker.
It is at the discretion of the attendant care provider as to whether your family member is employed. This decision should be based on TAC’s policy, Attendant care provider guidelines and other provider employment requirements.
For family members
A family member who is eligible to provide paid support as described above must be employed by a TAC IRQS registered attendant care provider. They must meet all the requirements of that provider. This is to ensure that services delivered to you meet industry and community standards. Employer and employee must strictly follow the expectations and responsibilities set out in the Attendant care provider guidelines.
As paid employees, family members engaged as paid support workers are subject to the full requirements of the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct (Code) operating in Victoria, and the NDIS Code of Conduct in Victoria and in all other States and Territories.
If you are a family member who was employed to provide support to a TAC client (your family member) prior to 1 July 2021, you can continue to be paid for the attendant care support by your employer as long as you meet all requirements of your employment including those set out in the Attendant care provider guidelines.
Provider responsibilities
Attendant care providers are responsible for determining if they have suitable staff available to meet the service need. They must determine if a family member is suitable to be engaged in a paid capacity temporarily.
Definitions
The term "family member" in this policy is used to represent a person who is identified by the client as a member of their family, or part of their close personal support network. This could include but is not limited to an immediate or non-immediate family member, partner, household member, friend and/or legal guardian.
The term “support worker” refers to a person being paid for attendant care (AC) or disability work who provides personal support, therapy support and/or community access.
For providers
If you are an attendant care provider, please refer to our Attendant care provider guidelines.
