Home Care Packages for those under 65

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you can apply for a Home Care Package before the age of 65. From the age of 50, you are eligible for these and other government-funded Aged Care services.

It is recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience challenges accessing the Aged Care system in Australia, due to diversity of needs and remote locations. This, as well as an inequity of lifespan, allows aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access Aged Care services at a younger age than other Australians.

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.

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?

Firstly, you’ll need to apply for a Home Care Package (HCP) through the My Aged Care website. After submitting your application, an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) will assess your needs to determine the level of care they think is most suited to you. 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 allocated to you, you can choose a Home Care provider to manage your Package and deliver the care you need.

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

Download our handy Guide to Home Care!

Benefits of Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages (HCPs) put you in control – unlike other programs, you decide how to spend your Package funds, with guidance from your chosen provider. It’s like having a personal budget for care services tailored to your needs.
Comprehensive Home Care help – if you’re already getting support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) but need more assistance, a Home Care Package might be the next step. HCPs offer 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.

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)

HCPs 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’ll work with your chosen Home Care provider to create a personalised Care Plan to ensure your care needs are met. Remember, most people without high care needs will qualify for a lower level Package.

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. Plus, they might give extra money for specific care needs, like 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 smaller amount everyone pays.

Your Home Care provider will use the total amount – the government’s contribution plus your fees – to cover the cost of your care services.

Home Care Package inclusions and exclusions

Home Care Packages offer valuable support, but it’s important to understand what’s included and excluded. 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.