6 Steps to a Comprehensive Service Agreement
Aged Care Service Providers know that having a successful service agreement in place is critical for the success of any client-provider partnership.
Creating a service agreement can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.
The service agreement outlines the expectations, roles and responsibilities of both parties involved in the home care arrangement. It's important to have a detailed and comprehensive agreement to avoid misunderstandings or disagreements down the road.
That's why, we've created a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, so you can follow and get rid of unnecessary complications as you and your client settle on your Service Agreement.
By following these steps, you can be confident that you're creating a solid foundation for your home care arrangement.
The 6 Steps to Creating a Successful Service Agreement:
- Draft an agreement by reviewing previous assessments, care plans and early discussions with the care recipient
This will help refresh your memory on what has been agreed in the past, what worked well, and what didn't work too well. By doing this, you can avoid any potential conflict in the future. This will give both parties an understanding of what's been done in the past and what can be expected in the future.
- Discuss the agreement with the care recipient (and their legal representative if relevant), accessing translation, interpreter and other supports where necessary.
In other words, gain feedback from them on what they would like to see included or changed in the service agreement. Questions from your client or to your client should be asked right here so there is full transparency and trust between you and your client.
To avoid confusion & misunderstanding, the care recipient must be informed of, and helped to understand, the terms of the home care agreement, in particular, the terms about the following:
(a) the care recipient's rights and responsibilities, including the rights mentioned in the “Charter of Aged Care Rights” set out in Schedule 1;
(b) the services to be provided to the care recipient;
(c) the fees and other charges to be paid under the agreement.
- Adjust the agreement if necessary & Finalise the agreement before starting the care service
After going through everything with the care recipient, make any necessary adjustments to the agreement so that it meets both parties' needs and expectations. Once everything has been agreed upon - sign and date the document so that it is legally binding.
4. Provide the care recipient with a signed copy (along with a signed copy of the Charter of Aged Care Rights, their care plan, individualised budget, and the provider's pricing schedule)
5. Review again! Hold regular and ongoing care discussions with the care recipient and update the agreement as necessary.
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Creating a successful home care service agreement doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming.
By following these steps & taking time to draft a comprehensive agreement, you can avoid misunderstandings or disagreements and set yourself up for success!
Come back and use our step-by-step guide to help you through the process of creating a successful service agreement for your home care business.
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For further information:
Home care agreements for Home Care Packages https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/home-care-packages-program/managing-home-care-packages/home-care-agreements-for-home-care-packages
