You and/or your carer may be able to get help through the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program if you need short-term support for a health issue, illness or injury.
These support services can help you stay well at home and may prevent you from going to hospital.
If you do go to hospital, the program can help you return home safely. These supports can also help you apply for longer-term support programs if required.
Who can apply
You must:
You must also meet one of the following:
- Be ready to leave hospital but unable to access the supports to help you return home safely through an existing program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
- Have a health condition* that is temporary or terminal and not likely to get assistance through another program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
- Have a health condition* that is significant and permanent, and either be in the process of applying for or appealing an application for supports through another program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
* Health conditions for the CATS Program include health and mental health conditions.
Carers are also eligible for specific supports if they are an unpaid carer, or a direct family member living with, a person who meets the eligibility requirements of the program.
You can be of any age to access supports through the CATS Program.
Services
You may be able to get help with:
- providing connected support for when you are discharged from hospital to home
- Individual Advocacy – helping you uphold your rights when accessing the program including accessing information and resolving issues
- carer and care relationship supports – building skills, engage in self-care and ensure your wellbeing when you are a carer
- care coordination –identifying and arranging access to community supports to help you recover
- personal care helping you with showering, toileting, eating and drinking, getting in and out of bed, and supporting you at medical appointments
- domestic assistance – helping you with house cleaning, dishwashing, and washing clothes and linen
- medical and allied health transport – transport to go to medical and allied health appointments as part of your recovery
- food services – helping you with the provision or delivery of healthy food to support your recovery
- bridging supports – supporting you to access and apply for longer-term assistance if required such as the NDIS or aged care programs
- some types of non-medical equipment (up to $500).
How to apply
Step 1 - Check if you are eligible for services and if the services available are right for you.
Step 2 - Choose a service and contact a provider listed so they can confirm that you are eligible to apply, discuss your needs and conduct an assessment.
There may be waiting times before services start. If your situation and needs change while you are waiting, contact your provider to let them know what has changed.
Fees
There are currently no fees to access services through the CATS program.
CATS Program services and providers
You can find the contact details of service providers in the CATS Program below.
Resources for participants
Information for CATS Service Providers
