Your ultimate guide to Home Care Packages

What is a Home Care Package? 

Imagine having extra support to help with everyday tasks, so you can focus on the things you love. That’s what a Home Care Package offers. It’s a government-funded program designed to help older Australians stay independent and comfortable in their own homes by subsidising certain services.

You may also hear Home Care Packages referred to as Government-subsidised Home Care Packages, Centrelink Home Care Packages, My Aged Care Home Care Packages and My Aged Care Packages. They are all one in the same!

How does it work?

First, you need to apply for a Home Care Package (HCP) through the government body My Aged Care website. After submitting your application, an assessor will determine the level of care most suited to your needs. If and when you are approved for Home Care Package services, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. When a Package becomes available and is allocated to you, you choose a Home Care provider to manage your Package and deliver the supports you need!

Learn – How to apply for a Home Care Package here. 

Benefits of Home Care Packages

• Home Care Packages (HCPs) put you in control – unlike other programs, you decide how to spend your Package funds on approved services, with guidance from your chosen provider. It’s like having a personal budget for support services tailored to your needs.
• Comprehensive Home Care help – if you’re receiving support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) but need more assistance, a Home Care Package might be the next step. HCPs allow for a wider range of services and more funding.
• Choose your own provider – you get to select a Home Care provider of your choice to manage your Package and deliver the care services you need. They’ll work with you to create a personalised Care Plan based on your goals and preferences. Providers charge different fees and offer different approaches including the option to self manage your Package. It pays to speak to a CareAbout expert before making your choice.

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

All older Australians who are – 

• 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
• 50 or older and experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or at risk of homelessness (45 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)

Home Care Packages offer a higher level of care compared to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). There are four different levels of Home Care Package, each with increasing amounts of funding to suit your specific needs.

Four levels of funding for Home Care Packages

There are four levels of Home Care Package funds, each designed to meet different care needs:

• HCP Level 1: Offers basic support for everyday tasks.
• HCP Level 2: Provides additional support for people with low-level care needs.
• HCP Level 3: Delivers intermediate care for those requiring more assistance.
• HCP Level 4: Offers comprehensive support for people with high care needs.

The government provides funding for each level, and you work with your chosen Home Care provider to create a personalised Care Plan to ensure your care needs are met. As your needs change you can seek a reassessment through My Aged Care to access a higher level Package and more supports.

How is a Home Care Package funded?

The government chips in to help cover the cost of your Home Care.

As mentioned above, there are 4 different levels of Home Care Packages, and the government pays a specific amount for each level. In addition, there are further subsidies to support people with specific care needs, such as dementia or incontinence.

So, who pays what?

• The government: Pays a subsidy and any extra supplements directly to your chosen Home Care provider.
• You: Contribute to the cost through two fees:
  • Income-tested care fee: Based on your financial situation. Learn more about income-tested fees here.
  • Basic daily fee: A daily amount everyone may be asked to pay depending on their chosen provider.

Home Care Package inclusions and exclusions

Home Care Packages offer valuable support, but it’s important to understand what’s included and excluded from the program. Let’s break it down.

Your Package can cover a range of services to help you live comfortably at home, including:

• Personal care: Assistance with daily living activities like showering, dressing, and eating.
• Nursing services: Services provided by a registered nurse, such as medication management and wound care.  
• Allied health services: Services from professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and podiatrists, to improve mobility and independence.  
• Home maintenance: Minor repairs and maintenance to keep the home safe and functional.
• Home modifications: Clinically justified modifications like grab bars and ramps to improve safety and accessibility.
• Cleaning: Assistance with cleaning the home to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.  
• Transport: Assistance with transport to appointments and essential activities.  
• Assistive technology: Devices and equipment to help with daily living activities, such as shower chairs and walkers.  
• Specialised food: Nutritional supplements prescribed by a health professional for specific medical conditions.

However, there are some things your Package won’t cover, such as:

• General income purchases: Food, clothing, utilities, rent or mortgage payments.
• Medical services: Doctor visits, medications (PBS and non-PBS), and hospital stays.
• White goods and electrical appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, etc.
• Home improvements: Renovations, landscaping, and aesthetic modifications.
• Natural therapies: Therapies not recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Pet care: Costs associated with caring for pets.

Learn more about – What can Home Care Package funds be used for?

Home Care Package fees

Thinking about a Home Care Package but worried about the fees? Relax, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick and easy breakdown:

Imagine a pie. This pie represents your total Home Care Package budget.

• A big slice is from the government. The amount varies depending on the level of care you need.
• A smaller slice comes from you. This might include:
  • Income-tested fee: Based on your income (full pensioners approved for a Home Care Package on September 12 get a free pass!).
  • Basic daily fee (optional): Want more support? You can contribute extra to your pie. Some providers even waive this fee!

Bonus! There are other subsidies from the government that you might qualify for (optional toppings on your pie). Click here to learn more.

What’s “eaten” from your Home Care Package pie?:

• Services fees: These are the hourly rates charged for the delivery of your care services.
• Care management fee: Covers planning and coordinating your care (capped at 20% of your pie).
• Package management fee: Keeps track of your budget and schedules services (capped at 15% of your pie).

Here’s the sweet part:

• You don’t pay GST on services covered by the package.
• Exit and establishment fees are gone! (as of Jan 1, 2023)

Learn more about – Home Care Package fees and costs

Did you Know? 

As per the recent release of the Home Care Packages GEN data, more Australians are choosing to age at home.

• A record number of people are now accessing Home Care Packages (HCPs), with over 284,000 enjoying increased support.
• Demand is soaring: The number of people waiting for a package has skyrocketed by a massive 94% in just one year.
• Good news: More people are entering HCPs than ever before, with over 17,000 new starts in the last quarter.
• Providers are stepping up: The number of home care providers has grown to meet increasing demand.

It’s clear that Home Care is becoming increasingly popular as Australians seek to maintain their independence and quality of life.

With CareAbout, Home Care is just a click away!