Home Care Assistance
I Need a Home Care Package
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Hourly Care
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24 Hour Care
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Hospital to Home
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Specialised Care
I need support but I want to stay at home
Research has shown that most older Australians would rather receive help at home than relocate into an aged care facility* to retain the familiarity of their own home and their independence. This is made possible thanks to Home Care Packages funded by the federal government.
What is a Home Care Package?
Home Care Packages are government funded and tailored to the individual. They are an option for anyone who has care needs and especially helpful when a coordinated approach to the delivery of help at home is needed. They can cover everything from assistance with everyday tasks such as housework, gardening and cooking to more complex services such as personal care or wound care. Home Care Packages are a great option to stay at home for most older Australians with the level of funding increasing with the level of required support.
Who qualifies for a Home Care Package?
In order to qualify for a Home Care Package, you need to be over 65 years of age (50 years or older for Aborigninal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require support in at least three areas of your life. For example: Transport, help with meals and support with housework.
Home Care Assistance is here to support you through the process below. You can find your local team HERE.
Are there different packages for different needs?
Home Care Package Level 1
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For basic home care needs
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Funding for up to $8,750 per year
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Approximately 1-2 hours of support each week
Home Care Package Level 2
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For moderate home care needs
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Funding for up to $15,250 per year
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Approximately 3-5 hours of support each week
Home Care Level 3
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For high home care needs
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Funding for up to 33,500 per year
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Approximately 6-8 hours of support each week
Home Care Package Level 4
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For very high home care needs
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Funding for up to $50,750 per year
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Approximately 10+ hours of support each week
What if I need help with only one or two areas?
If you only need support in one or two areas of your
daily life, or are looking for extra assistance while you’re waiting for your Home Care Package, entry-level subsidised home support is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Contact your local office and one of our friendly team members will guide you through the process so you can stay in the community you love.
How much does a Home Care Package cost?
The great news is that Home Care Packages are free to fully funded aged care pensioners. Partially self-funded or fully self-funded retirees are also eligible for a Home Care Package. You may need to pay an income-tested care fee, which could be as small as $7 per week. You can estimate your care fee using this link
What if I need extra support above the funding level of my Home Care Package?
Home Care Assistance charges a Basic Daily Rate should your care needs be greater than what is funded by your Home Care Package.
How do I apply for a Home Care Package?
Step 1: Apply for an Assessment
Applying for an assessment is a quick and easy process and can be done online or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You will need your Medicare card handy to complete the assessment. Your GP is also able to refer you for an assessment. If you need some assistance or have further questions about the process, get in touch with Home Care Assistance and our friendly team will be more than happy to help guide you through the process.
Step 2: Attend a face-to-face meeting
Within three weeks of contacting My Aged Care, you will be contacted to arrange a face-to-face meeting in your own home to better understand your support needs. You can find out more about what happens at your face-to-face meeting and how best to prepare for it here.
Step 3: Await confirmation of your Home Care Package
Once you’ve been approved for a Home Care Package, you will be placed on the national queue to wait for a package. The expected wait times can be found here. These times will be shorter if your approval is “High Priority”.
When your Home Care Package wait time is less than three months, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care letting you know that it is time to find a Home Care Package Provider. This is the perfect time to get in touch with the team at Home Care Assistance.
Step 4. Give us a call
The dedicated team at Home Care Assistance works
alongside you to create an individualised care plan. We make it easy to receive the best possible value and care from our service. We know from experience, that carefully listening to you allows us to meet your needs and for you to continue living life to the fullest.
Home Care Assistance is here to help you navigate your Home Care Package to best benefit you. By setting up a call we can assist you through the process. Contact our local team here.