What is a home care package and which one are you eligible for?
What is a home care package?
A Home Care Package is a package subsidised by the government that gives elderly Australians a fund with which to access in-home aged care and support services.
There are four levels of home care packages that individuals will be assessed for. These assessments will also determine an individual’s priority for care. Once approved for a home care package, you are placed in a national queue until a package is available.
Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?
All levels require a contribution from the recipient, which alongside the government’s subsidy will go towards covering their care costs.
The levels of support are:
Home Care Level 1 – basic care needs
Home Care Level 2 – low level care needs
Home Care Level 3 – intermediate care needs
Home Care Level 4 – high care needs
How much will I need to personally contribute to my Home Care Package?
A basic daily fee - this varies from $9.53 to $10.63 according to your level.
An income-tested fee – this varies between $15.24 and £30.29 per day, dependent on your income. Full pensioners do not pay an income-tested fee.
Will my Home Care Package fund affect my pension?
No, because they do not count as income.
How are payments from my Home Care Package processed to my chosen home care provider?
The government’s contribution is paid directly to the home care provider you choose. This must be an approved provider. You and your provider will together plan a schedule of care and support services that are within your package’s budget.
How can I make the most of my Home Care Package?
Using an independent care worker from Careseekers will ensure that your funds go further. We partner with Home Care Package Providers which enable you to use funding on a care worker YOU choose.
Careseekers connects you directly with independent support workers from your local area who have the flexibility to negotiate whatever rates and schedules work for you both. No pile of expensive (and hidden) middle-man fees and no more putting up with allocated time slots you have no control over. Furthermore, we have no minimum hours requirements, so you can engage care for as few or many hours as you’d like.
Find aged care support near me
Are you ready to apply for your Home Care Package? Go to the My Aged Care website and start the process.
Fast track help if you need low-level home care
To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer
To find aged care services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers
To find disability support services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers