Understanding Home Care Packages

You may need more support in daily activities as you get older, but that doesn’t mean you need to move out of your own home. Home Care Packages are a form of care support that can help you live in your own home for as long as possible.

The Department of Health manages and develops policy for the program, and Services Australia administers payments to providers on behalf of the Government. My Aged Care helps older people and their families access and navigate government-funded aged care services. If you or your family member haven’t received any aged care support before, this should be your first stop.

Let’s take a closer look:

There are three forms of care available to older Australians:

There are two types of care under the “Help at home” category.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is great for those who need low-level care. This type of support is recommended to those who only require one or two entry-level support services.

If your needs are more complex, or you need a lot of support for everyday tasks on an ongoing basis, Home Care Packages may be the better answer to your needs. HCPs go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide.

You can access a wide range of different services under HCP. This includes:

Home care packages are flexible, so you can speak to your care provider if other services can be included.

Some services may not be included, especially if they are not directly linked to your identified care needs and goals. Examples include tickets to sporting events or accommodation for holidays.

Certain services or items can already be accessed through existing health programs. Examples include services covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule. It’s best to save your HCP funds and use them for other essential services.

A trained assessor from My Aged Care will determine your eligibility. To check if you meet the requirements for an assessment, you can use this online Eligibility Checker. This tool checks:

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an assessment online.

If you are on a low income, homeless or at risk of being homeless or have care needs not met through other specialist services and are aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation further.

During assessment, the assessor will meet with you and ask questions about your current situation and the support you require to be supported in daily life.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay an income tested care fee.

For most people the income assessment is done by Services Australia. However, if you receive a means-tested payment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), your assessment will be done by DVA.

To check how much you need to contribute towards your care, you can complete an income assessment by filling out a form and sending it to Services Australia.

Services Australia will send you a fee advice letter to confirm if you need to pay an income tested care fee.

You can complete your income assessment after you have been assessed for a Home Care Package, but before receiving care.

You may also complete this assessment before meeting with your My Aged Care assessor so you can have an idea of how much you need to pay.

Your HCP budget consists of:

Your level of funding depends on your care needs and changes at the start of the financial year. The amounts listed below are up to date as of 1 July 2024. Visit this page for updated costs and fees.

You then choose a service provider approved to provide Home Care Packages services, like Leora. You and your chosen provider will work together to identify your care needs and the best way to spend your HCP funding.

The government pays your provider, which coordinates and manages your services on your behalf.

You may be asked to pay the following.

The basic daily fee changes every March and September. As of 20 March 2024, the basic daily fee can be from $11.43 (Level 1 package).

This also changes every March and September and is different for every person. This fee will reduce the subsidy the government contributes towards your Home Care Package.

For example, if Services Australia’s income assessment shows that your income tested care fee is $10,000 a year, this amount will be deducted from the government subsidy.

These additional fees may be for services that are otherwise not covered by your HCP.

At the moment, the expected wait time for an approved HCP is from three to six months. The wait time may be shorter if your needs are more urgent.

In any case, it’s best to begin the application process now! If you have any questions, give our team a call on 1300 65 11 33.

Already approved for HCP and looking for the best care provider?

We always say there is no substitute for experience! Leora Healthcare has been providing care since 2008. Our compassionate support workers will help you maintain your independence in your own home and you will have ongoing support from a dedicated care team. Contact us now and we’ll develop a care plan designed just for you.

Tips: