Home Care FAQs | CareAbout

Category: Home Care in Australia

Do I have to pay an exit fee when switching Support at Home providers?

No, you don’t! As of 1 January 2023, Support at Home providers are no longer allowed to charge exit fees. This means that you have much more flexibility when it comes to choosing a provider. If you’re not happy with your current provider, there are no financial barriers to prevent you from moving your Support at Home Care Package to a new one.

What is an admin fee?

While Home Care providers charge a case management fee for the costs involved in creating your care plan, and conducting home visits for assessment and review purposes, there are additional costs involved in administering your care plan, managing your budget, and co-ordinating carers. These costs are covered by an admin fee your Home Care provider may charge you, and will vary from one provider to the next.

What is a daily fee?

Home Care providers are allowed to charge a basic daily fee, in addition to their other fees, while Aged Care Homes all charge a daily care fee. With Home Care the basic daily fee is added to your budget, effectively increasing what you are able to spend on care and support.

In Aged Care Homes the daily care fee covers day-to-day costs including meals, laundry, and cleaning services.

What is an income-tested fee?

An income-tested fee is a fee you might be asked to pay towards your Home Care. It is separate to the basic daily fee and is calculated based on your annual income not on your assets.

Your income is assessed during the process of applying for a Government Funded Home Care Package, but is reviewed quarterly for any changes. Annual and lifetime caps also apply to income-tested fees and you and your Home Care provider will be notified whenever you reach your annual or lifetime cap.

What is the average cost of Home Care?

All levels of Home Care Packages are made up of a subsidy from the Australian Government. You may need to contribute to the Package out of your own pocket. However, the amount that you pay is influenced by several factors including whether or not your chosen Home Care provider charges you a basic daily fee, along with an income-tested fee you may have to pay based on your income (assessed at the start of each quarter).

More recently the Australian Government introduced annual and lifetime caps that apply to any income-tested fees you may have to pay. This is monitored by the Department of Human Services, and they will notify both you and your Home Care provider whenever you have reached your annual or lifetime cap.

Care at home costs explained

Yes, it the costs can get a bit tricky. Different aged care providers charge different fees and then there’s the government fees. See our simple table Care At Home Costs Explained for a clear explanation.

Do I have to pay a daily care fee as well?

Back to fees. Did we mention aged care is complex? See our easy-to-understand table Care at Home Costs Explained.

And, in short yes and no. It depends on the care provider but they can charge around $10 per day regardless of your situation.

My Aged Care – where you need to start to access government subsidies

If you choose to access government subsidies you need to start by calling My Aged Care. My Aged Care will walk you through the steps you need to take, starting with a face – to – face assessment of your loved one’s needs.

My Aged Care will also guide you through the fees you will need to contribute to the costs of care. You can then choose how you want to spend the government subsidies – this may mean support to stay at home or moving into an Aged Care Home.

There is a delay of up to 8 weeks to access government subsidies. If you need help earlier you can pay for care directly.

If you need help now, CareAbout can talk you through the fees and services of our different partners so you can compare aged care value and service offerings.

How do I get help from the council to stay at home

Access help from your local Council to stay at home by calling My Aged Care. My Aged Care will walk you through the steps you need to take.

How much will the government pay?

Everyone over the age of 65 years in Australia is entitled to some help from the Commonwealth Government. However, everyone is expected to contribute to the cost of aged care.

For Care at Home there’s different levels of subsidies – up to 59k per year. But you will be expected to pay towards the cost of care.

We need help – where do we start?

Simply call us on 13 13 00. Everyone’s situation is different – (of course!). So everyone starts in a different place. So simply give us a call and we can work out where you’re starting from so you can start on the right path. Our guidance is free for you and your family.